How to Choose the Right Ayurvedic Medicine for Diabetes
It can be a defining moment when one gets diagnosed with diabetes. Lots of doubts and fears may surface about handling this condition. The commonest type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. It’s linked to lifestyle and genetic factors, whereas type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system fights and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes call for management of blood sugar levels. Modern medicine does that effectively but many people turn toward Ayurveda for its natural means.
Diabetes mellitus – types and challenges
Diabetes mellitus occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorizes diabetes into type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and others, which include cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. Each comes with a distinctive problem but what’s common among them is that they all result in disturbed blood sugar control.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy mostly in the form of insulin to control blood glucose levels.
The most common type of diabetes that normally develops in adulthood is type 2 diabetes. The risk factors associated with this type are uncontrolled weight, an inactive lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet. Those with a family history of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, have a high risk of developing this disease to control blood sugar levels with diet, weight control exercises, and sometimes medication.
There is a third type of diabetes that may occur during gestation or pregnancy and is called gestational diabetes. In these cases, both mother and child are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in their lives. Careful management of sugar levels is needed during the gestational period to prevent complications.
Given the various forms of diabetes, choosing the right ayurvedic medicine for diabetes demands a deep understanding of the individual’s condition and typical needs.
How to choose the right ayurvedic medicine for diabetes
According to Ayurveda, knowing your dominant dosha is the initial step toward managing diabetes by choosing the right medicine. Ayurvedic medicines are prepared considering prakriti and individual constitutional doshas namely vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurvedic treatment balances these doshas with the proper combination of herbs, diet, and changes in lifestyle. While choosing the right ayurvedic medicine for diabetes, it is essential to consider the following:
Know your dosha
Every person has a dominant or unique combination of dosha, which defines one’s physical and psychological constitution. Kapha dosha which has elements of earth and water and relates to heaviness and stability is linked to type 2 diabetes. Hence, Kapha reducing and Vata and Pitta balancing treatments are recommended in Ayurveda for type 2 diabetes.
Your health status
Additional health problems such as kidney or heart disease are often faced by diabetics. So, the treatment should aim to address these medical conditions along with diabetes. For instance, a diabetic who also has heart disease will benefit from herbs like Arjuna, which promotes heart health. Similarly, Punarnava is a perfect choice for kidney issues.
Blood sugar control
The main aim of choosing medicine is managing blood sugar levels. Several ayurvedic herbs are particularly known for their ability to lower and manage blood glucose readings. Some of them are bitter melon, Gudmar or Gymnema sylvestre, turmeric, and fenugreek. These herbs have blood glucose-lowering properties and support diabetes management. Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties help improve insulin sensitivity and improve insulin function.
Long-term Management
Once diabetic, it’s there with you for a lifetime. Ayurvedic medicines do offer instant benefits, but it is necessary to go for long-term management. Regular visits to an Ayurvedic practitioner help modify treatment as per your body’s changing needs. Periodic detoxifications to cleanse the body and rejuvenate the organs are also suggested, which aid in blood sugar regulation.
Gestational diabetes
Special attention is needed during pregnancy in the case of gestational diabetes. This condition not only risks the mother but there are higher chances of the baby developing diabetes at a later stage of life. Ayurveda adds gentle remedies to control blood sugar during pregnancy. Herbs like amla and Ashwagandha help maintain blood sugar levels without any ill effect on the fetus.
Changes in lifestyle and diet
While you choose the right ayurvedic medicine for diabetes, it is important to consider an important aspect i.e., lifestyle and diet. This aspect plays a crucial role in deciding the effectiveness of the treatment. Adding a whole grain-rich and protein-rich diet, green and fresh vegetables, and routine physical activity help manage blood sugar and also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes complications. Not to mention, practices like meditation and yoga help reduce stress, which is a major factor in diabetes.
Last but not least, though Ayurveda aids in managing diabetes effectively, consulting with an ayurveda practitioner before starting any treatment is essential.
