What are diabetic complications
Diabetes happens to be one of the most common diseases that may give rise to several health issues. High level of glucose in blood may be the leading cause of various diseases that may affect the teeth, kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels and even heart. Diabetic people also develop infections at a faster rate. Diabetes contributes to being the primary reason for kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, lower limb amputation and even blindness in several countries across the globe. They are prone to fungal and bacterial infections along with several problems. Hearing problems are also common in diabetic patients. Maintaining the right and normal level of glucose in the blood reduces the chance of certain diseases in individuals. Type 2 diabetes may also enhance the chances of Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetic complications in pregnant women
Diabetic women may encounter several complications during pregnancy. The additional amount of glucose in the blood can cross the placenta which may trigger the pancreas of the baby for producing excessive insulin. This may lead to a condition called macrosomia where the babies are found to grow very large. At times, the babies develop hypoglycemia or low blood sugar within a short duration after birth. If the mother is having gestational diabetes, there is an increased risk of gaining weight by the baby.
How Ayurvedic assists in the prevention of diabetic complications
Ayurvedic treatments are considered to be among the oldest remedies for treating a person. As per the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the three doshas aid in governing human body which includes Kapha dosha, pitta dosha, and Vata dosha. The doshas are the primary cause of diabetes. In Ayurvedic system of medicine, diabetes is included in the prameha category. Pramehas are essentially urinary disorders which may occur along with different abnormalities in the body.
According to the causes of the Doshas, the pramehas are being classified into the following:
Kaphaja Pramehas.
Pittaja Pramehas
Vataja Pramehas
Diabetes is known to be madhumeha which is a vataja prameha. Where most of the medical forms regard diabetes as a disease, Ayurveda confers it an entirely different outlook. The treatment for diabetes is dependent on bringing an alteration in the entire lifestyle of a person. The patients are advised to live an active life and have a healthy lifestyle as a treatment of this disease. The mental aspects of the disease are considered at the same time along with proper diet and medication. It is believed that most of the vataja disorders have their origin in the brain. Since madhumeha is a part of vataja, it is essential that the brain should function in the right manner.
Ayurveda also prefers yoga with an eye to controlling and treating diabetes. As for instance, the paschimottasana is advised for the patients having madhumeha. Thus, in Ayurveda, the treatment process is not restricted to the medicines but includes the entire lifestyle of a person through a broader perspective.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Diabetes
The practitioners of Ayurvedic system of medicines believe that the universe, the people, and their health are interlinked. As one of these interconnections are out of the state of equilibrium, it gives rise to various health problems. In the Ayurvedic form of medicine, medicines are being conferred to the patients in the form of metals and herbs. Along with, various techniques are adopted to cleanse the body and restore its balance. This is crucial in promoting wellness and treating the different diseases. It is a prerequisite that the patients should actively participate in the treatment as it is essential to bring a change in the habits, lifestyle and diet of a patient as a part of the Ayurvedic treatments.
Emotional harmony, exercise, and nutrition are considered to be the essential aspects while managing the disease. The treatments of the disease are based on the improvement in these areas of well-being and health of a person. Specific questions such as lifestyle practices, behavior and diet are asked by the ayurvedic practitioners for determining the primary dosha or the forces for balancing the doshas.
The Ayurvedic physician will be creating a plan for you for bringing balance and harmony in accordance to the dosha of the patient. It will eventually lead to the controlling of diseases and aid in the prevention of long-term complications that may arise owing to diabetes.
The combination of breathing exercises, yoga and herbal preparations aids in the treatment of diabetics.
Herbs for treating Diabetes
Some of the herbs that are used for the treatment of diabetes include:
Gurmar Powder or Gymnema sylvestrae.
Bitter melon or Momordica charantia
Saptrangi or Salacia oblonga
Curcuma longa turmeric
Pterocarpus marsupium or Vijaysaar
You should exercise on a regular basis for reducing stress which inevitably aids in managing diabetics.
Yoga For Diabetes
Stress and changes in lifestyle are counted to be the primary cause of Type 2 diabetes. Regular practicing of yoga can help in treating this disease.
Sun Salutation
Sun Salutation is considered to be an effective exercise for people with diabetes. 4 rounds of this exercise should be accomplished in the duration of a minute to procure the benefits during diabetes.
Asanas
Asanas are also counted to be beneficial for the people who are suffering from diabetes. Firmness and steadiness are known to be important aspects of practicing this asana which aid in balancing the body. During the practicing of these asanas, various strains, stretches and twists are encountered that enhances the supply of blood and thus the flow of the oxygen to the different organs of the body. Some of the asanas that are known to be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes include Matsyasana, Dhanurasana, Sarvangasana, Sarvangasana, Yoga Mudra, Halasana, Vajrasana Yoga Mudra etc. These asanas affect the pancreas in a positive manner and thus assist in managing the functioning of insulin.
Meditation
Meditation plays a vital role in the management of stress. Concentration can be achieved on pancreas during the practice of meditation that aids in the management of sugar levels.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is also known to be very important for acquiring deep relaxation. It helps in reducing stress and has positive effects on the mind and body.
How Ayurveda differs from modern treatment for curing diabetes
As mentioned earlier, the entire body of the person is taken into account while treating diabetes as per Ayurvedic system of medicine. The medications for the treatment of diabetes are primarily comprised of herbs. However, concentration is imparted on exercises, healthy lifestyle as an integral part of ayurvedic treatment for curing diabetes. On the other hand, in the modern medication treatments, managing the glucose levels in the blood is counted to be the primary aim for the treatment of diabetes and for preventing the complications that may arise due to diabetes. Insulin is administered into the body with the aid of a pump or injection. It is a prerequisite to follow a perfect and healthy balanced diet along with regular exercises Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is managed with the assistance of dietary alterations, reduction in weight and on-insulin medications.
Various home remedies for managing diabetis
Consuming food enriched with soluble fiber
Diabetic patients can consume a diet enriched in fiber which assists in the absorption of sugar in a slow manner. This, in turn, assists in balancing the blood sugar level. The soluble kinds of fiber help to manage the blood sugar level. The fruits and vegetables that are known to be rich sources of soluble fiber include winter squash, apples, parsnips, carrots, apricots, citrus fruits, beets, carrots, and berries.
Basil leaves:
Basil leaves are known to be capable of reducing the level of sugar in the blood. These leaves are considered to be rich sources of potent antioxidants that help in relieving oxidative stress in diabetic patients.
Cactus juice
Cactus juice assists in reducing the glucose in blood and aids in managing the insulin level.
Consuming flax seeds
Intaking flax seeds help in reducing the postprandial sugar level by almost 28 percent.
Jambul
The seeds of Jambul contains a glucoside that restricts the conversion of starch into sugar. Thus, it helps in lowering the blood sugar level.
Binola seeds
It possesses natural antioxidants in it that helps to reduce the level of sugar in the blood.
Drumstick leaves
The fiber content present in drumsticks leaves helps in the breakdown of food in a slower fashion and enhances the satiety.
Lifestyle changes that helps a diabetic patient in leading a normal life
A healthy lifestyle plays an indispensable role in managing diabetes. You should concentrate on the following lifestyle changes for a healthy well being:
Eat healthy food
Eating affects the sugar level in blood and hence it is recommended that you should intake food in accordance with the needs of the body. You should intake adequate amount of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables if you are suffering from diabetes. You should prefer lean meats and nonfat dairy products in the diet.
Exercise
You should do exercise on a regular basis for bringing the blood sugar level and thus controlling diabetes. It helps in reducing extra the extra fat in the body and easing stress.
Management of stress
Excessive stress may lead to an increase in the blood sugar level. Thus, it is a prerequisite that you should work towards stress management for controlling glucose level. You can participate in yoga, hobbies or deep breathing for procuring relief from stress.
Say no to smoking
As mentioned before, diabetic patients have increased risks of stroke, cardiovascular diseases, nerve damage etc. Smoking enhances the chances of these problems many folds. Hence, you should quit smoking after being diagnosed with diabetes.
Avoid alcohol
Avoiding the consumption of excess alcohol may assist in controlling the blood sugar. So, it is recommended that diabetic patients should limit the intake of alcohol.
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Modernized Ayurveda for the high-speed world
