Chronic diseases, also referred to as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are characterized by a long duration and a confluence of behavioural, physiological, environmental, and genetic factors. The four primary categories of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. As per a study conducted in 2018 published in the journal ‘Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology,’ nearly 98 million Indians may develop Diabetes Mellitus by 2030. Therefore, in order to protect ourselves from this disease, it is now necessary for us to adjust our diet and engage in physical activity. After passing all nutritional quality inspections, adding a specific food to our diet can help both prevent and manage the progression of diabetes.
In the classical texts of Ayurveda viz. Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridya Samhita, Diabetes or Madhumeha have been discussed under the heading of Prameha Chikitsa (Treatment of Diabetes) which widely discusses the aetiology, pathogenesis, types and complications regarding the disease. It should be noted that Prameha and Madhumeha are used interchangeably for Diabetes.
Manage your Diabetes ABCs:
Knowing and working toward your ABCs goals of Diabetes management can help to lower the chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems.
A for the A1C Test:
The A1C test (or HbA1c Test) shows the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7 percent which could be achieved with medication and diet plan.
B for Blood Pressure:
The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mm Hg.
C for Cholesterol:
We have two kinds of cholesterol in our blood: LDL and HDL. LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog the blood vessels. Too much bad cholesterol can cause a heart attack or stroke. HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from the blood vessels.
S for Stop Smoking:
Not smoking is especially important for people with diabetes because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels. Blood vessel narrowing makes your heart work harder.
When the ABCs of Diabetes are under control, the next major step is to monitor the dietary habits and modify them as per the one’s underlying medical condition. Although the goal of nutritional therapy or dietary management is to manage the ABCs of diabetes and postpone or avoid complications.
While the Indian government’s NPCDCS initiative primarily addresses the management of diabetes mellitus, Mission Madhumeha focuses primarily on the treatment of madhumeha according to Ayurvedic principles. Moreover, the same has been extracted from the Classical Ayurvedic Literature, which lists the food items that should be consumed and avoided.
While those who wish to prevent, manage, or lessen the complications of diabetes should strictly avoid foods like white rice or basmati rice, maida, bread, noodles, pasta, murukku, maida chapati, puri jalebi, sesame, urad or black gram, cow pea, papad, idli, dhokla, meduvada, meat soup of domestic or aquatic animals, pork, banana, custard apple, jackfruit, dates, mango, pineapple, guava, potato, sweet potato, beetroot, cabbage, alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, paneer, kheer, shrikhand, jaggery, sugar, and cereals or grains that are less than a year old.
On the other hand, studies have demonstrated the scientific value of chickpeas, masoora, red gram, horse gram, barley, semolina, wheat, millets, and aged rice (after a year of harvest), lean meat, fruits (such as jamun, amla, kapittha, Parushaka, bilva, udumbara, orange, lemon, and pomegranate), vegetables (such as parwal, vastuka, bitter melon, mint, drumsticks, brinjal, yam, onions, radish, carrot, flax or linseed, mustard), cow’s milk, goat’s milk, buttermilk, and spices (such as turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek) to be beneficial in the prevention and management of prediabetes, diabetes, and its complications. Furthermore, there are very notable and quantifiable results in juvenile diabetes, gestational diabetes, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus when using them. The query that now arises is: How can these nutritional items aid my diabetes? Certain foods have the ability to quickly raise blood sugar levels, however the foods having Glycemic Index of 55 or less and a Glycemic Load of less than 100, which allows them to maintain diabetes and ideal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes has become a much bigger threat during the past ten years. For the comprehensive management of diabetes, diet changes and ABCs management might not be enough. Therefore, the use of medications for therapeutic purposes may be required. Seeking advice from an Ayurvedic physician regarding the use of Ayurvedic medications for management can also be beneficial. Diabetes can be effectively managed with specialized medications such as Nisha-Amalaki, Katakakhadiradi Kashayam, Chandraprabha vati, Trivanga Bhasma, Naga Bhasma, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Vasanta Kusumakara Rasa, etc.; however, these medications must be taken strictly under a doctor’s supervision. In addition, supplementary medicine might be recommended to address complications such as altered lipid profiles, diabetic wounds, retinal abnormalities, or cardiac problems. After evaluating the patient’s condition, an endocrinologist may occasionally recommend the addition of modern medicine, which can be taken in addition to ayurvedic remedies.
In conclusion, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive understanding of disease and a methodical approach to managing and preventing diabetes, pre-diabetes, and related complications. Amazing outcomes have also been reported in certain cases of juvenile diabetes. Ayurvedic medicines, dietary modifications, yoga, pranayama, meditation, and physical activity can all aid in the management or even reversal of diabetes, thereby achieving the goal of ayurveda, which is Ayushkaamiyam (desire for a healthy life).
