Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is one among the lifestyle disorders and is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications include diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney failure, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes.
Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type 1 DM results from the pancreas' failure to produce enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown.
- Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". The primary cause is excessive body weight and not enough exercise.
- Gestational diabetes, is the third main form and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop a high blood sugar level.
In Ayurveda
Diabetes is termed as 'MADHUMEHA'. It is one among 4 types of Vataja Pramehas, caused by the aggravation of vata. The patient passes urine which is sweet and astringent in taste, pale in colour, and unctuous. The main doshas and dushyas involved in causing Prameha are:
- Vata
- Medas
- Mamsa
- Kleda
- Ojas
PATHOGENESIS
Oja, by nature, is Madhura (sweet). When due to its Ruksha (dry) property, Vata converts it into that of Kashaya (astringent) taste and takes it into the Urinary bladder, due to its roughness, this causes MADHUMEHA.
Madhumeha is caused due to the following:
- Excessive intake of astringent, pungent, bitter, rough, light, and cold things.
- Excessive indulgence of intercourse and exercise.
- Excessive administration of Panchakarma therapies.
- Resorting to suppression of the manifested urges, fasting, assault, exposure to sun, anxiety, grief, excessive blood letting, keeping awake at night, and irregular posture of the body.
TREATMENT
- VIRECHANA
- Vina Shunti Shadanga Paniya SHIRO DHARA
In a few selected cases, Basti is also recommended.
Healthy lifestyle and diet should be maintained.