Type 2 Diabetes - Treatment & Diagnosis
With or without sugar? If the answer is the latter, the person may not necessarily be a fitness freak refusing sugar, but a diabetic.
A study done in 2019 says there are 77 million people affected by diabetes in India alone. These numbers are expected to grow to around 134 million by 2025. Why are so many people becoming victims of this chronic condition these days? Unlike type 1 diabetes, the trigger of which is unknown, for type 2 diabetes we can blame genetic tendency or lifestyle influence. Let's go a little deeper and understand what is type 2 diabetes, how to diagnose it, and what treatments are available. Let's begin.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Ayurveda terms type 2 diabetes "Apathyanimittaja Prameha. "Apathya" means unhealthy or unsuitable in any context like food or lifestyle. "Nimittaja" means caused by. So Apathyanimittaja stands for a condition caused by an unhealthy food or lifestyle. The imbalance in the life forces Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha is one the causes of this chronic illness.
When the body isn't able to utilize insulin properly, it leads to fluctuation in the levels of blood glucose causing Type 2 Diabetes Treatment. Gradually, the pancreas may secrete less insulin, deepening the problem.
The Symptoms and Risk Factors
Many individuals with type 2 diabetes have mild symptoms or sometimes none at all, which makes it harder to diagnose it early. The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are generally common and include:
- Severe thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Unexpected weight loss
- Slow-healing
- Infections due to slow healing
- Fatigue
The risk factors that may increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes are:
- Obesity: Weight is a risk issue with almost all disorders including diabetes.
- Age: Individuals above 45 years of age.
- Family History: People with diabetes in their family.
- Lifestyle: No exercise results in weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Prediabetes: A higher level of blood glucose but not enough to be called diabetes.
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
By evaluating and judging symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue in association with analysis of dosha imbalance, dietary habits, and lifestyle, ayurveda practitioners diagnose diabetes. They utilize diagnosing methods like Nadi Pariksha or pulse examination, urine examination, and physical examination including tongue and eyes. A blood glucose test is conducted to evaluate blood glucose levels. All these tests, symptoms, and doshas are considered to diagnose the type of Pramehar. There are broadly three types of Prameha Kaphaja, Pittaja, and Vataja depending on individual constitution
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes medicine, lifestyle changes, herbal supplements, and routine monitoring may help manage diabetes.
Diabetes Medicine: Other than conventional treatment methods, if the patient is not on insulin, herbal diabetes medicines in the form of tablets or herbal diabetes syrups assist in managing diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes:
Healthy Eating: To manage diabetes, eat lean proteins, healthy fats, unrefined grains, vegetables, and fruits. Following healthy eating habits not only helps to manage diabetes but also benefits overall health.
Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle is harmful to overall health and well-being. A half-hour daily exercise can activate the body and help shed weight as well as control diabetes. If you prefer doing yoga, you can do asanas that are similarly effective to physical training at the gym. The added benefit of doing yoga is it balances body, spirit, and mind.
Control your Weight: Glucose significantly improves with a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, especially due to this factor, diabetes is called a lifestyle disorder.
Smoking and Drinking: Avoid both. These habits may complicate the risk of diabetes and result in heart disease or even stroke.
Stress Management: Yoga not only helps you lose weight but also assists manage stress. Stress increases the chances of cardiac issues, GI, and nerve-related problems.
Herbal Diabetes Medicines:
Herbs such as Gudmar, bitter melon, neem, fenugreek, cinnamon, and noni are believed in Ayurveda to help manage blood sugar levels.
Herbal diabetes medicines like Noni D-Care are claimed to assist in many ways. Noni D-Care manages diabetes naturally. This diabetes syrup repairs and revives the organs (liver, kidneys, heart, and nervous system) affected by diabetes. It is a combination of herbs including Punarnava and Shilajeet.
Conclusion
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of total diabetes cases, 90 to 95 % of them are type 2 diabetes cases. With the right combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and routine monitoring, type 2 diabetes can be managed effectively. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment prevent difficulties and aid in leading a better quality of life.
