Leading Causes of Diabetes and How to Prevent With Ayurveda
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus which is also referred to as ‘Madhumey’ is an autoimmune disorder in which glucose or blood glucose levels get elevated when the pancreas becomes inefficient in producing insulin. This is also termed as high blood sugar or hyperglycemia as it is caused due to excessive glucose content in the bloodstream. According to medical surveys, cases of diabetes are increasing by 3% per year worldwide.
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
There are mainly three types of diabetes
Type I Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also known as Juvenile-onset diabetes or Insulin-dependent diabetes. In this type of diabetes, the immune system itself starts attacking and destroying pancreatic cells (insulin-producing beta cells) that produce insulin which results in less or no production of insulin. This usually develops in young, adults or children and approximately more than 10% of all people suffering from diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
There are various symptoms which may include-
Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes is also known as Adult-onset diabetes or Non-insulin dependent diabetes. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces enough insulin but body cells are not able to use blood glucose or sugar properly. This results in a gradual increase in blood sugar in the blood. The prevalence of this type usually develops in people older than 30 years and 21% of adolescents & 25% of children get affected
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
General symptoms of Diabetes are as follows
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Increased quench for thirst
- Frequent need for urination
- Slow healing from wounds
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Deprived muscle strength in men
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Yeast infections
- Itchy and dry skin
- Feeling of numbness in feet and hands
- Skin pigmentation
What is the leading cause of Diabetes?
Major causes of Diabetes Mellitus can be categorized into three categories
1.Agent
The fundamental cause of diabetes mellitus is the deficiency of insulin which affects partially in Type I Diabetes and completely in Type II diabetes.
This may be due to the following reasons
- Pancreatic disorders
- Destruction of Beta cells by viral infections and chemical agents
- Genetic mutations in genes
- Autoimmunity
2.Host factors-
Age and sex– Though diabetes mellitus can hit at any age but youth get affected by malnutrition-related diabetes.
Genetic factors– studies show that in the case of Type II diabetes there is a 90% chance that it will pass on to the next generation while in case of Type I diabetes cannot be considered as a total genetic entity.
Obesity– The intensity of risk depends on the degree of the duration of obesity because obese people require a very large amount of insulin to maintain adequate blood glucose levels. Increasing BMI (Body Mass Index), waist to hip ratio (reflecting, abdominal or visceral adiposity) are major determinants of Type II Diabetes. Obesity tends reduces the no. of insulin receptors on target cells. It doesn’t play an important role in Type I diabetes.
3.Environmental factors
Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of work out and exercise induces the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
Diet– Consuming a high saturated fat diet triggers insulin level and glucose tolerance in the body. Increased intake of dietary fiber on a daily basis helps in reduced blood glucose levels.
Malnutrition– This results in Beta-cell functioning in infants and children.
Alcohol– This increases the risk of diabetes mellitus by damaging the pancreas, liver, and symptoms of obesity.
Viral infections (rubella, mumps, etc.) triggers Immune-responses which causes the destruction of beta-cells.
Chemical agents (alloxan, cyanide, etc.), stress (trauma, surgery, etc.) are one of the factors inducing symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
4.Other factors
Type I Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body’s system against infection (immune system) initiates destroying the insulin. Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas, which plays an important role in controlling glucose levels in the blood. This condition may be caused due to the various external or internal factors like genetic variation and environmental factors.
What are the risk factors for Diabetes Mellitus?
Type I diabetes Risk factors
- Family history
- Improper eating habits
- Damaged immune system
Type II diabetes risk factors
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- High blood pressure
- No physical work
- A sudden increase in weight
What are the complications?
Major complications of diabetes are
- Neuropathy (Brain damage)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Slow healing of wounds
- Kidney damage
- Heart and blood vessels disease
Ayurveda and Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes which is also known as “Prameha” is believed to have 20 types depending upon the type of dosha i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha (Tridosha).
According to Ayurveda, there are three main divisions of diabetes are
Kaphaja– Kaphaja imbalance causes nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and lack of hunger.
Pittaja– This causes insomnia, restlessness, urinary tract infections in women and diarrhea
Vataja – This causes sleeping and digestive disorders.
Herbal Remedies for Diabetes Mellitus by Planet Ayurveda
Ayurveda provides various Natural Remedies for Treating Diabetes Naturally without any side effects. Planet Ayurveda has effective herbal formulations for diabetes mellitus i.e. Diabetes care pack which is 100% natural and vegetarian.
This diabetes pack includes
- Dia-Beta plus
- Karela Capsules
- Madhumehantak Churna
- Fenugreek capsules
Product description
1.Dia-Beta Plus
This product has been formulated by Gurmaar (Gymnema Sylvestre), Saptrangi (Salancia oblonga), Vijayasara (Pteracrapus marsupium), Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and Ashwagandha (Withania somifera).
Benefits
A.Gurnaar (Gymnema sylvestrae)
- This is commonly known as stevia which is considered as a natural sweetener.
- Maintains blood sugar levels.
B.Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- It helps in removing toxins from the body.
- Phytochemicals constituents in Tulsi provide anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an anti-oxidant.
C.Ashwagandha (Withania Somifera)
- Triggers the immune system and promotes the healthy function of the body.
- This herb possesses anti-stress, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
D.Saptrangi (Salancia oblonga)
- Regulates the functioning of liver and pancreas.
- Acts as a great appetizer and improves digestion.
E.Vijayasara (Pteracrapus marsupium)
- Induces the natural ability of the body to maintain blood glucose or sugar levels.
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
Dosage – 2 capsules two times a day after meals.
2.(Bitter melon) capsules-
Karela (Momordica charantia) which is also considered as bitter melon and wild cucumber is an effective herbal supplement for diabetes.
Some of the Tremendous Benefits of Karela Capsules
Bitter melon contains lectin which helps in maintaining sugar levels by acting upon peripheral tissues and suppressing appetite.
- Possess charanti and polypeptide-p (insulin-like compound) which provides karela anti-diabetic properties.
- It contains vicine that helps in increasing insulin secretion, stimulates the liver and glycogen synthesis.
Dosage– 2 capsules two times a day after meals with plain water.
3.Fenugreek capsules
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) which is also known as Methika and Methi, are rich sources of minerals (copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium etc.). Moreover, these capsules have been formulated by using the best quality of methi seeds. It’s tremendous chemical and phytochemical constituents make it beneficial in maintaining healthy weight and stable blood glucose levels.
Dosage– 2 capsules two times a day after meals with plain water.
4.Madhumehantak Churna
Madhumehantak Churna has been formulated by blending Saptrangi (Salacia chinesis), Vijaysaar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Bilva patra (Aegle marmelos), Gurmaar (Gymnema sylvestrae), Darulhadi (Berberis aristata), Neem patra (Azardirachta indica), Methi (Trigonella foenum graceum), Jamun (Syzgium cumini), Karela (Momordica charantia), Tulsi (Ocimum sactum), Sadabahar (Eochnera rosea) and Bobool (Acacia Arabica). This churna is a unique blend that are very effective in lowering blood glucose levels and reducing symptoms of diabetes.
Dosage : 1 to 2 teaspoonful to tablespoonfuls twice daily, 1/2 hour before meals, either with plain water or with iced tea (Sugar free) or apple juice.
