Ayurveda for Diabetes: Types, Symptoms and Home Remedies Diabetes/Heart Health
Ayurveda for Diabetes: Types, Symptoms and Home Remedies
JUNE 23, 2022

Ayurveda and Diabetes: Everything That You Must Know!

Introduction to Diabetes

ayurveda for diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common yet challenging health concerns that people face.

Studies report that nearly 11% of the world population is dealing with diabetes. And yes, it's challenging to manage. However, not impossible.

Ayurveda is an ancient medical science, suggesting solutions that may help manage diabetes. In this blog, you will come across useful information regarding diabetes, its types and how to treat and control them.

So, let’s dive right in and build a healthier life.

Types of Diabetes in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, there are twenty types of Prameha - four types can crop up because of vata, six occur because of pitta and 10 occur because of kapha. Madhumeha, a subtype of Prameha is characterised by urine that is sweet and is co related with diabetes.

Primarily we have two types of Prameha that are common in Ayurveda:

  • Avarana
  • Dhatuksyaya

As per Ayurveda, Avarana occurs because of a blockage in the paths of channels. The blockage may be caused by aggravated Kapha. This causes adult-onset diabetes. On the other hand, Dhatukshaya refers to the depletion of tissues in the body. This can cause juvenile diabetes.

Apart from that, Ayurveda considers digestion to be a very important process.

The effective working of the digestive system requires the digestive fire known as Agni to be working well. If this digestive fire is weak (because of Dosha imbalance or other reasons), it can cause various problems. It results in a buildup of toxins that could affect the normal working of the body. It can also weaken the immunity and the body cannot fight infections and diseases.

Diabetes Symptoms

Some of the most common type 1 diabetes symptoms and type 2 diabetes symptoms are‌:

Type 1 diabetes symptoms:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Excessive hunger
  • Dry mouth
  • Upset stomach
  • Urge to vomit
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Constant fatigue
  • Blurry vision

Type 2 diabetes symptoms:?

  • Extreme thirst
  • Unusually frequent urination
  • Excessive hunger
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Frequent urination

Diabetes can often mask the symptoms of other diseases. People who have diabetes may also have other health concerns, such as those relating to the heart or kidney. However, because of diabetes, they may not feel the symptoms. This happens because of excess blood sugar. There are many cases of people suffering a mild heart attack and not knowing about it because of high d‌iabetes levels. Therefore, it is very important to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Causes of Two Types of Diabetes

There are several triggers that can give rise to diabetes. Here’s a list of some of the most common causes of diabetes.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

The primary cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. However, in this condition, the immune system can start attacking the insulin-producing cells present in the pancreas. As a result, the insulin levels in the body can drop dramatically.

This increases the blood sugar level in your bloodstream. It’s said that type 1 diabetes can crop up because of a mix of susceptibility and various environmental factors. However, being overweight is not considered a reason for type 1 diabetes.

Apart from that, lack of insulin production also results in type 1 diabetes.

Insulin is an essential hormone secreted by the pancreas (gland). It also helps lower the blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar is high, the pancreas secretes more insulin to maintain the sugar level.

In a diabetic condition, the insulin secretion goes down. As a result, sugar levels go up.

So, primarily, lack of insulin production is the reason that causes diabetes. However, there are other conditions that can trigger this condition.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes. However, in this condition, your cells can become resistant to insulin and its actions. Also, as the pancreas cannot create insulin, your body may find it challenging to overcome this resistance.

While the actual cause of type 2 diabetes is uncertain, its condition,believed to crop up because of genetic and environmental reasons. Unlike type 1 diabetes, being overweight is a primary reason behind type 2 diabetes. However, everyone who has type 2 diabetes is not overweight.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

While pregnant, the human body produces hormones that sustain the pregnancy situation. These hormones make your cells resistant. In a general scenario, our pancreas produces enough insulin to overcome this resistance.

However, ‌your pancreas may not ‌keep up. In such situations, the amount of glucose entering your cells reduces. This results in gestational diabetes.

Ayurveda for Diabetes: What’s the Approach?

 Ayurvedic Approach for Diabetes

Diabetes and ayurveda have a healing link. Ayurveda is an alternate medicinal method that considers the overall holistic well-being rather than focusing on specific symptoms. The aim is to manage the concern from its root.

In Ayurveda, diabetes is referred to as Madhumeha (literally meaning sweet urine). Diabetes mellitus is referred to as Vata Prameha. It crops up because of an imbalance in the Vata Dosha (one of the three functional energies in the body). Diabetes insipidus is referred to as Kapha Prameha. This occurs because of Kapha Dosha imbalance.

According to Ayurveda, the following are the primary causes of diabetes:

  • Being physically inactive
  • Excessive sleep, including sleeping during the daytime
  • Eating too much sweet food
  • Excessive use of curds
  • Eating too many foods that cause an increase in Kapha

Ayurvedic ways to manage diabetes

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to help manage diabetes and most health concerns. Ayurveda suggests a multi-prong approach. The management process includes:

  • Remedies using Ayurvedic herbs.
  • Various therapies help aid the detox procedure that rejuvenates the body. This helps in severe cases of diabetes.
  • Dietary changes help manage diabetes.
  • Lifestyle changes can help manage diabetes.

Apart from this, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For that, you can start a regular workout. You can consider joining the gym, cleansing your diet, and adding bitter fruits to your diet. For example, bitter gourd, gourd, and other astringent fruits and vegetables can help manage diabetes levels.

The diet to pacify Kapha needed to help manage Diabetes type 2 would include:

  • Eating foods that are light, dry, and warm and avoiding foods that are oily, cold, and heavy.
  • Milk products aggravate the Kapha Dosha and it is better to avoid or reduce it. Low-fat milk products can be consumed. Ghee can be used in moderation as it helps to strengthen the digestive fire.
  • The Kapha diet needs more beans and legumes. Moong beans, in particular, are very helpful for diabetes patients.
  • Fruits such as apples, pomegranates, and berries can be eaten.
  • Rice and wheat are heavy and difficult to break down. Light grains like millet and corn can be eaten.
  • Spices should be used while cooking, as they are good for Kapha Dosha. Pepper, mustard, garlic, and ginger must be included in the diet. Ginger tea is beneficial for digestion. Salt, however, should be avoided or taken in moderation.
  • Ayurveda recommends avoiding meats as they may increase inflammation.
  • Dietary control of blood sugar requires consuming warm food. Patients should drink warm water.
  • Foods that are a bitter help in managing diabetes. Bitter gourd is an important vegetable that should be included in the diet. Turmeric is another important spice that should be included in the diet.
  • Foods to be avoided are fried foods, tuber vegetables, soft drinks, fruits like mango, custard apple, dates, and bananas should be avoided. Cakes, sugarcane products, and wine must be avoided.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Diabetes

Several ayurvedic herbs may help with Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes. Here’s a list of Ayurvedic herbs that can help manage diabetes.

Amla

 triphala herbal remedy for diabetes

Amla or the Indian gooseberry, is ‌a potent Ayurvedic herb. It's rich in vitamin C and antioxidants; this makes it perfect for treating and keeping diabetes under control. Amla is also rich in chromium. This mineral enables proper carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium also allows your body to respond to insulin, keeping the blood sugar under control. Other minerals present in Amla are calcium, phosphorus, and iron. They help the body absorb insulin and regulate blood sugar levels.

Glymin Plus Tablets
Glymin Plus Tablets

For Blood Sugar Control

shop now

Apart from this, Kerala Ayurveda’s Glymin Plus tablets can also aid in controlling blood sugar level. This is made with natural ingredients and can be helpfulin managing fluctuating sugar levels.

Triphala

 triphala herbal remedy for diabetes

Triphala is a powdered formula that comprises Haritaki, Amla, and Bibhitaki. Using triphala has been mentioned in the Sushrut Samhita, dating back to 1500 BC. Apart from relieving constipation and improving gut health, it also acts as an Ayurvedic medicine for attaining the right blood sugar balance. As it is rich in antioxidants, it can help reduce the oxidative stress of the body. You can consume Triphala Tablets, if you dislike the taste of Triphala Churna.

Triphala Tablets
Triphala Tablets

Boosts Gut Health & Relieves Constipation

shop now

Home Remedies that may help with Diabetes

Various home remedies can also be fruitful for managing diabetes. Here are a few such tips that you can be help[ful:

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are ‌easily available in most of the Indian kitchens. Soaking two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water at night, and drinking with the seeds in the morning can help lower blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a natural bioactive spice and can help maintain blood sugar levels. It’s simple to consume. Just add half a teaspoon of grounded cinnamon in a glass of water, stir to mix and sip it down slowly. You can repeat this once a day.

Aloe Vera with Buttermilk

Aloe vera may be helpful in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Cut a few fresh slices from aloe vera leaves and consume it with buttermilk.

Drumsticks

In the Indian subcontinent, drumsticks are a popular ingredient in many delicious recipes. Another great thing about it is that it may help manage blood sugar levels. Add a couple of slices to a jug of water and drink from this jug whenever thirsty.

Key Takeaways

Efficient management of diabetes is crucial for ensuring a healthy life. In this blog, we discussed the said links between Ayurveda and diabetes and threw light on how specific Ayurvedic methods can help manage it. Here’s a look back at what we learned above:

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a health concern that needs special care beyond medicine. Your lifestyle choices, eating habits, and the amount of exercise you do each day determine how harmful diabetes can be for you. To keep yourself healthy, it’s advisable to maintain a healthy diet, exercise daily, practice specific yoga asanas for diabetes and use the prescribed herbs.

No, diabetes can not be completely cured. However, through a healthy diet and lifestyle, it can be managed and kept from worsening. Here are some food options that may help do that: Oatmeal, Cinnamon, Grapes, Olive oil, Beans, Eggs, Kale, Fish, Cranberries, Quinoa

Here’s a list of foods that help lower blood sugar level quickly: Jamun, Amla, Bitter Gourd Other bitter and astringent foods can also help manage diabetes by lowering blood sugar.

The glycemic index for bananas is low. Plus, bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium. This makes bananas healthy and safe for diabetic people. However, binging over bananas is still not advisable. Ayurveda is a rich science for alternative medicine. Often, when conventional methods cannot produce results, people turn to Ayurveda. In case you are on diabetes medications, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor first before you take any herbal supplements. In this blog, we discussed Ayurveda’s significance for treating diabetes. We hope this was helpful.

comment(1)

comment

Anand

Feb 15, 2023

Hello, i am 36yrs old, now my blood sugar leaves after food is 518 before food 374. I am taking Ayurveda medicine near by my place. I wanted to know and take treatment at your place .how can I connect ,how many days I should be there. Even I need to make my routine and rejuvenate body. Pls guide me. I am from Bangalore.




Table of Content

Recent Blogs

Post

Body Detoxification: A Guide Of Signs and Remedies

Read more

Post

10 Important Benefits of Brahmi and How to Use it

Read more

Post

अश्वगंधा (Ashwagandha in hindi) के फायदे, प्रकार, और उपयोग

Read more

Post

CHAPPED LIPS - AYURVEDIC REMEDIES AND TIPS

Read more

Recent Blogs

Body Detoxification: A Guide Of Signs and Remedies

Read Article

10 Important Benefits of Brahmi and How to Use it

Read Article

अश्वगंधा (Ashwagandha in hindi) के फायदे, प्रकार, और उपयोग

Read Article

CHAPPED LIPS - AYURVEDIC REMEDIES AND TIPS

Read Article

Related Blogs

Diabetes/Heart Health

25 Mar, 2024

Foods that Increase Bad Cholesterol (LDL) in Your Body

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

25 Mar, 2024

Ayurvedic Treatment to Cure Diabetes Permanently

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

25 Mar, 2024

Diabetes Management: Low-Cal, High-Fiber Diet Approach

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

25 Mar, 2024

Liposem Tablets: Perfect Ayurvedic Treatment for High Cholesterol

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

11 Sep, 2023

Foods that Increase Bad Cholesterol (LDL) in Your Body

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

24 Oct, 2019

Ayurvedic Treatment to Cure Diabetes Permanently

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

21 Aug, 2023

Diabetes Management: Low-Cal, High-Fiber Diet Approach

Read Article

Diabetes/Heart Health

26 Aug, 2022

Liposem Tablets: Perfect Ayurvedic Treatment for High Cholesterol

Read Article

Why Choose Us

80+ years Heritage

100% Natural & Herbal

Perfect blend of Classical + Modern

Leaders of authentic Ayurveda