All About Diabetes and its Ayurvedic Treatment; Nick Jonas also Struggled with it
Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus or simple diabetes is a metabolic and lifestyle disorder in which a person has chronically high blood sugar due to a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This high blood sugar causes symptoms of increased thirst, increased hunger or frequent urination. Untreated diabetes can lead to many complications, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic feet, kidney problems etc. The prevalence of diabetes increased from 7.1% to 8.9% in 2019. Diabetes is caused by either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body’s cells not producing enough insulin. Not responding properly to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes: Type I diabetes mellitus, Type II diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes. Prevention and treatment include physical exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining a proper weight. Nick Jonas has also been suffering from diabetes since the age of 13. In this article we will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, risk factors and treatment as per modern and Ayurveda approach.
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting more than 100 million people worldwide (6% of the population). It is caused by deficient or ineffective production of insulin by the pancreas resulting in increased or decreased concentration of glucose in the blood. Diabetes mellitus is classified into two main categories; insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM1) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM2). Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes and is caused by an immune response (autoimmune disease) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by insulin resistance, in which cells fail to respond properly to insulin. Are. The third type of diabetes “gestational diabetes” occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. Diabetes mellitus shows many complications such as kidney failure, stroke, neuropathy, retinopathy, etc. Diet and Lifestyle The best treatment for diabetes is diabetes. Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections and type 2 can be treated with medications with or without insulin.
Signs And Symptoms
Symptoms depend on how much blood sugar is. Some people especially in pre-diabetes, Type-2 diabetes, gestational diabetes may have no symptoms.
In Type-1 diabetes symptoms appear sooner and are more severe. Some of the symptoms are:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling more thirsty than usual
- Losing weight
- Weakness and tiredness
- Blurry vision
- Slow-Healing sores
- Sometimes presence of ketones in urine
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation in hands and feet
- Frequent skin and vaginal infections
Types
There are several types of Diabetes mellitus, most common are:
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: This is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin cell production in pancreas. It is commonly seen in young children and adults but can develop at any age.
- Pre-Diabetes: This is the stage before Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose levels are higher than usual.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: In this stage, the body doesn’t make enough insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes in some people during pregnancy, it usually goes away after pregnancy.
Causes
The main cause of diabetes is high glucose levels in the bloodstream. The other causes of diabetes are:
- Auto-immune disorder
- Genetic factors
- Insulin Resistance
- Hormonal Imbalance and
- Pancreatic Damage
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made from checking the glucose levels in blood tests. There are three main blood tests that can measure glucose in blood. They are:
- Fasting blood sugar test
- Random blood sugar test
- A1c or HbA1C test
Risk Factors
- Family History: If family members have Diabetes mellitus, there might be a chance of developing Diabetes.
- Environment Factors
- Obesity
Complications
Diabetes can lead to acute to severe complications mainly due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Acute Complications of Diabetes
- Diabetic related Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
Long Term Complications
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Stroke
- Heart Failure
- Atherosclerosis
- Neuropathy
- Retinopathy
- Diabetic Foot
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
- Regular Physical Exercise
- Reduce Stress
- Maintain healthy weight
- Choose healthy food
- Avoid smoking and drinking
Ayurveda View
In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with “Madhumeha”. Acharya Vagbhatta explained about madhumeha in Ashtanga Hridaya Nidana Sthana 10th chapter:
मधुरं यच्च मेहेषु प्रायो मार्घ्वव मेहति।
सर्वेअपि मधुमेहाख्या माधुर्याच्च तनोरतः।।
Ancient Reference – Ashtanga Hridaya Nidana Sthana 10/21
The above Shloka states that, the disease in which the patient passes urine like honey and sweetness remains in the body is called Madhumeha. That is, the disease in which urine of honey-like quality and color or urine containing sweet juice is eroded is called Madhumeha.
Causes
आस्यासुखं स्वपनसुखं दधीनि ग्राम्यौदकानूपरसाः पयांसि।
नवान्नपानं गुडवैकृतं च प्रमेहहेतुः कफकृच्चसर्वम्।।
Ancient Reference – Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 6/4
The above Shloka states that Sitting or lying down most of the time on a comfortably cushioned bed, sleeping comfortably for a long time on a soft bed, consuming mostly curd, village water, and flesh juice of aquatic and non-human animals and birds, consuming more milk, Excessive consumption of new grains, rain water and sweets made of jaggery or sugar, these substances and substances that increase Kapha are the reasons for causing Prameha.
Treatment
स्थूलः प्रमेही बलवानिहैकः कृशस्तथैकः परिदुर्बलश्च।
संबृंहणं तत्र कृशस्य कार्यं संशोधनं दोषबलाधिक्स्य।।
Ancient Reference – Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 6/15
The above Shloka states that some diabetic patients are fat and strong and some are thin and physically weak. Therefore, those who are thin and weak should be made healthy and strong by consuming Brihan liquids and those who have strong dosha and are too strong should be given Langhana (Fasting therapy), Vaman, Virechan (Purgation) should be done through Samshodhana.
Journey of Nick Jonas with Diabetes
Nick Jonas was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes mellitus at the age of 13. When they found out, there was obviously a lot of disappointment, which is when you ask yourself, ‘What did I do?’ How did this happen?” he recalls. Looking back on that time in his life, Jonas said he would give advice to his younger self: “Take a deep breath and know that there are going to be days that are hard, and it’s not your fault. You haven’t done anything irresponsible that you end up in a place where your glucose gets high or low. It’s an unpredictable disease and it’s not your fault.” Jonas also credits his parents, Kevin and Denise, for handling his diagnosis and his health over the years.
Herbal Remedies from Planet Ayurveda for Diabetes
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company that offers herbal formulations/ supplements that are formed by using the ancient methods. Planet Ayurveda has an amazing combination of herbal remedies that act on Diabetes Mellitus and that is the Diabetes Care Pack. It contains five herbal formulations. These herbal remedies are prepared from using the best quality and strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda. They are:
- Dia-Beta Plus
- Karela Capsules
- Madhumehantak Churna
- Fenugreek Capsules
- Diaplan Tea
Products Description
1. Dia-Beta Plus
Dia-Beta Plus Capsules is a formulation of various herbs like Karela (Momordica charantia), Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) and Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), etc. These herbs help in balancing the blood sugar levels in normal state. These herbs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The alkaloids present in these herbs help in controlling the blood sugar levels.
Dosage: 1 Capsule twice a day after meals.
2. Karela Capsules
Karela capsules contain bitter melon (Momordica charantia). The fruit contains at least three active substances with anti-diabetic properties, including charanti, which has been confirmed to have blood sugar-lowering effects, vicine, and an insulin-like compound. These substances work either individually or together to help lower blood sugar levels.
Dosage: 1 Capsule twice a day after meals.
3. Madhumehantak Churna
Madhumehantak Churna consists of various herbs like saptrangi (Salacia Chinensis), vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Bilva patra (Aegle marmelos), Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Karela (Momordica charantia), etc. These herbs play an important role in controlling diabetes and also give strength to the body.
Dosage: 1 Teaspoon twice a day before meals.
4. Fenugreek Capsules
Fenugreek Capsule contains a fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum). The seeds contain fibre that can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and sugar in the body. The seeds may also help improve how the body uses sugar and increase the amount of insulin released.
Dosage: 1 Capsule twice a day after meals.
5. Diaplan Tea
Diaplan Tea contains various herbs like jamun (Syzygium cumini), fenugreek (Trigonella fownum-graceum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and cardamom (Elettaria, tulsi, and green tea). These herbs contain various substances that help in maintaining the blood sugar levels.
Dosage: 1 Capsule twice a day after meals.
Conclusion
Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which a person has high blood sugar over a prolonged time either from a defect of insulin secretion and long-term fluctuating course affecting both sexes of different age groups. Madhumeha has been described as one of the diseases in Ayurvedic literature. Repeated interventions are required to prevent disease recurrence and improve quality of life.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment will enhance the quality of life. It also prevents conversion of acute diabetes to chronic diabetes. Ayurvedic treatments and medicines can provide excellent relief to patients from the bothersome symptoms of diabetes. Planet Ayurveda opens a new gate for treatment of diabetes through their holistic approaches in an era where there is no permanent cure for diabetes.
