Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most costly burdensome chronic diseases
of our time and is condition that is increasing in epidemic population
in the whole world. The complications resulting from the diseases are a
significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with
failure of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Diabetics are also at a significantly higher risk for coronary artery
disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke and they have a greater
likelihood of having hypertension dyslipidemia and obesity.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disorder of the glands, of pancreas to be exact,
called Madhumeha in Ayurveda. It is one of the most insidious disorders
of the metabolism and, if left undiagnosed, may lead to rapid
emaciation and ultimately death.
What are the types of Diabetes?
According to Ayurveda Diabetes is of two types: Diabetes Mellitus-
Insulin dependent Juvenile Diabetes (IDDM-Type I) in which the body is
unable to produce insulin and Non Insulin Dependent Adult Onset
Diabetes (NIDDM-Type II) in which the pancreas produces insulin, but it
is insufficient for reducing the blood glucose to normal levels.
What are the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes? Some of the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes are:
Excessive Thirst Frequent urination Unexplained weight loss Irritability Weakness Fatigue
What are the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes? Some of the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes are:
Loss off weight Numbness in hands or feet. Uncontrolled infections Pain
in the limbs Inflammatory chest infections Dimness of vision, contrast
Excessive thirst Body weakness
What are the different tests for Diabetes?
Urine Test: Some chemicals are added to a few drops of urine. Colour change indicates presence of glucose in urine.
Blood Test: In this, blood is taken to test the glucose level. This is more accurate test to confirm diabetes
Which parts of my body are affected by Diabetes?
Blood Vessels: Higher level of glucose damage the blood vessels. As a
result of this most of the diabetic complications occur in blood
vessels.
Heart: Diabetes affects the heart by: Increasing the amount of fat in blood and increasing the amount of homocysteine in blood.
Kidney: In diabetes because of increased levels of glucose, kidneys
have to do extra work to retain essential substances and separate waste
products to produce urine. This affects the small blood vessels and
their capacity to filter. After many years of work, it leads to kidney
failure.
Eyes: Diabetes affects blood vessels of the eyes. Damage to these blood
vessels leads to eye problems like: Damage to retina, Cataract or total
loss of vision
Foot: Damage to blood vessels reduces blood flow to the feet and increases risk of developing foot ulcers and infections.
Nerves: High glucose level for a long time damages nerves. Nerve damage
reduces sensation in some parts of body which may lead to: Numbness and
tingling, Fainting and dizziness
Home Remedies for Diabetes:
The best remedy for this disease is the bitter gourd, better known as
‘karela’. Eat this vegetable as often as you can or have at least one
tablespoon of karela juice daily to reduce blood sugar levels in your
blood and urine.
Amla, due to its vitamin C content is effective in controlling
diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh
bitter-gourd juice, taken daily for two months will secrete the
pancreas and enable it to secrete insulin.
Take ten tulsi leaves, ten neem leaves and ten belpatras with a glass
of water early morning on an empty stomach. It will work wonders in
keeping your sugar levels under control.
The leaves of Butea tree are very useful in diabetes. They reduce blood sugar and are useful in glycousia.
Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be swallowed whole, daily.
Eat 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months.
It prevent diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due
to obesity.
