Ayurveda: The Natural Path to Diabetes Control!

Definition: Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production.

Symptoms of Diabetes:

Common symptoms of diabetes may include:
• Increased thirst and urination (polyuria)
• Excessive hunger (polyphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow wound healing
• Recurrent infections, particularly of the skin, gums, or urinary tract
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (diabetic neuropathy)

Complications of Diabetes:

Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to various complications affecting multiple organ systems, including:
• Cardiovascular complications: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and hypertension.
• Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy): Progression to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure.
• Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy): Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness.
• Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): Tingling, numbness, pain, or loss of sensation in the extremities, particularly the feet and hands.
• Foot problems: Poor circulation and nerve damage increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.
• Skin conditions: Increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as conditions like diabetic dermopathy and eruptive xanthomatosis.
• Dental issues: Higher incidence of gum disease (periodontitis) and dental infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests measuring fasting blood sugar levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, or hemoglobin A1c levels, which reflect average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

Treatment for diabetes aims to maintain blood sugar levels within target ranges and prevent complications. Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and smoking cessation.
• Oral medications: Antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
• Insulin therapy: Subcutaneous injections or insulin pump therapy to replace or supplement endogenous insulin production.
• Blood sugar monitoring: Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels to adjust medication dosages and track treatment effectiveness.
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): Wearable devices that continuously measure glucose levels and provide real-time data to help manage diabetes.
• Education and support: Diabetes education, self-management training, and support groups to empower individuals with diabetes to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

Prevention:
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or delay its onset include:

• Healthy eating: Balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities.
• Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to reduce the risk of obesity and insulin resistance.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol control: Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and take steps to keep them within target ranges.
• Smoking cessation: Quit smoking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.