Integrative Medicine for Diabetes Mellitus

The world health organization (WHO) defines as a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar level). 

Type 1 diabetes: It is characterized by a severe deficiency in insulin production due to destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas. It is known as Insulin dependent, Juvenile-onset, Childhood-onset diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes: It is characterized by insulin resistance (body’s ineffective use of insulin). 

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH:

• Ayurveda

Panchakarma: This cleansing process is used to remove endotoxins(ama) that can obstruct body’s channels and caused imbalances. Virechana, Basti and oral medicine made up of herbs are used to treat diabetes.

Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is a shodhana kriya it helps with digestive health and better metabolic regulations. It reduces insulin resistance and offer improvement in lipid profile. 

Basti (therapeutic enema) is also a shodhana kriya it helps in regulating glycosuria (glucose in urine) and hyperglycaemia (increased blood sugar level). It also improves emotional stability and reduce fatigue. 

• Naturopathy

Dietary Therapy: Diet rich in fiber, organic unprocessed food includes vegetable, fruits, sprouts, nuts and seeds. Mono-diet and low calorie diet were included. 

Mud therapy: Application of cool mud packs to the abdomen can help to improve digestion, calms nervous system and support pancreatic function.

Acupuncture: It modulates neuroendocrine system, improves tissue sensitivity to insulin and improves blood circulation. 

• Yoga

Yoga unites body- mind, combines practices like physical posture, breathing exercises, meditation techniques. It improves insulin sensitivity and blood circulation. It regularizes hormonal imbalance hence reduces stress and anxiety.

CHOOSE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR DIABETES:

Integrative medicine is a wise approach it combines evidence based ancient medicine like Ayurveda, Naturopathy and yoga. It addresses the root of disease by focusing on lifestyle modification, relieving stress and revitalising energy channels with minimal side effects. 

It improves insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar level by minimizing complication and cessation of progression of disease. 

HERBAL REMEDIES:

Gudmar (Gymnema Sylvester): It is sugar destroyer, it suppresses sugar craving and reduce intestinal sugar absorption.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): It helps to protect and repair insulin producing beta cells. It also lowers fasting blood sugar level and HbA1c. 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): It improve insulin sensitivity and lowers blood glucose level. 

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): It contain a compound silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also lower blood sugar level. 

DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

Diet: Mindful eating 

Balanced diet includes whole grains (brown rice, millet, barley), legumes pulses (green gram, horse gram), fruits (guava, amla, avocado), vegetables (gourd, drumstick, green veggies), healthy fats (ghee, flaxseeds, nuts) and spices (turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek, cumin). 

Bitter melon contains insulin like compound polypeptide-p, charantin and vicine that help to lower blood glucose levels. Fenugreek rich in fiber and alkaloid trigonelline which can help to regulate blood glucose levels. Turmeric contain curcumin and demethoxycurcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Small-frequent meals, maintaining consistent meal timing and avoid skipping meals can regulate blood sugar level fluctuations. Drinking warm water, herbal water (fenugreek seeds, coriander and amla) helps with detoxification. 

Lifestyle changes: 

Waking up early before sunrise, Physical activity includes light exercise or yoga for 30 to 45 minutes daily. Maintain regular sleep pattern of 7 to 8 hours. Mindful relaxation techniques (yoga nidra, cyclic meditation), breathing techniques to reduce stress hormone. 

CASE STUDY:

A 66-year old male patient walked to VHG with the complain of elevated blood sugar and uric acid levels associated with increased blood pressure. 

Treatment:

Patient underwent Sarvanga Abhyanga (full body massage) with swedana (steam) for 2 days. Acupuncture and kidney pack for 7 days followed by Yoga therapy for 5 days. He was further advised to continue the yoga practice at home. 

Post treatment: 

A followed up after 3 months from the first day of intervention showed that the reduction in HbA1c and creatinine. She follows yoga on regular basis. Recommended oral medications and Diet therapy for 1 month and continuation Ayurveda treatment once in two months a year.  

Conclusion: 

Integrative approach of Acupuncture, Ayurveda and Yoga therapy helped the patient to normalize his blood sugar and creatinine levels. Blood pressured was under control with improved the quality of life. 

REFERENCE:

1. https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2709.
2. https://karger.com/cmr/article/25/1/16/68275.
3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dmrr.2515.
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388119300052.