Diabetes Mellitus - An Ayurvedic View

In the present scenario diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major health concern among the medical fraternity. It is mainly seemed to be affecting the middle aged group irrespective of sex. The prevalence of DM is ever on the rise. Irregular food habits, lack of exercise and stress are the important causative factors that make an individual more prone to develop DM at an early age. India has been projected by the WHO as the country with the fastest growing population of DM.

Almost all classical texts available on Ayurveda refer it to a disease by the name Prameha that appears to have very strong correlation and similarity to DM. The term prameha itself denotes one major clinical symptom, i.e., considerable increase in urine output. It is considered as one among the eight maharogas. (Maharogas are diseases affecting the deeper dhatus with a number of complications.) As mentioned earlier the main etiological factors are improper diet and exercise correction of which can ever help to control/ prevent the illness.

MODERN CORRELATION

Definition

A metabolic disease in which carbohydrate utilization is reduced and that of lipid and protein enhanced. It is caused by deficiency of Insulin and is characterised, in more severe cases by glycosuria, water and electrolite loss, keto acidosis and coma.

Division

1. Type I Diabetes
2. Type II Diabetes

1. Type I Diabetes

It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type I diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. It is also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). Type I diabetes is an auto immune disease.

1. Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes is type II formed diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Most of them are having over weight. In this, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells rejects the insulin. It is also known as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellites (NIDDM). Children and teenagers can also develop Type II diabetes. Unlike Type I, Type II Diabetes is not an auto immune disease.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. It affects about 4% of pregnant women. It develops when hormones secreted during pregnancy increase body's resistance to insulin. Generally it develops during the second half of pregnancy and goes away after delivery. But more than half of all women with gestational diabetes eventually develop type 2 diabetes