Diabetes is a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood. Glucose is derived mainly from the food we eat and insulin is the one who regulate the blood sugar. But in conditions like -

Type 1: A chronic condition in which pancreas produces a little or no insulin.

Type 2: Adult onset diabetes- a condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. In this the body’s cells do not respond properly to the insulin that is made. Over time pancreas reduces insulin production.

Gestational Diabetes: High blood sugar in pregnancy.

Pre-diabetes: Blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. If it is left without proper intervention, it is likely to turn to type 2 within 10 years.

Risk factors:

• Inactivity - sedentary life style
• Family history
• Diet: high glycemic foods, sugary beverages, processed meat....
• Over weight
• Smoking.
• History of heart disease, stroke
• High blood pressure
• High triglycerides and low HDL
• PCOD
• Age over 45.

Tests

1.    HbA1C:

Pre-diabetes 5.7-6.4%

Diabetes >6.5%

2.    Fasting blood sugar

     Pre-diabetes 100-125mg/dL

     Diabetes > 126mg/dL

3.    Oral glucose tolerance test.

    Pre-diabetes 140-199mg/dL.

    Diabetes >200mg/dL

Ayurveda management of Diabetes

Ayurveda says Prameha (diabetes) is caused by genetic reasons and apathya vihara ahara (wrong life style and diet). Kapha dosha is the one predominantly vitiated. Management includes:

a)  Herbal medicines: decoctions, powders, tablets.

b)  Panchakarma treatments: body purification to correct metabolism, balance kapha dosha which is predominant in premeha (Diabetes) Abhyanga, Virechana, vasthi, Thakradhara Specific treatments to manage diabetic complications like diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy.

c)  Dietary modifications.

d)  Life style changes.

f)  Yoga, Pranayama and meditation.

Good foot care is essential for people with Diabetes . Daily inspection of foot followed by suitable oil massage is very important.

Diabetes Foot Care

Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the sensation in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder for an injury to heal or resist infection. This could lead to an infection or a nonhealing wound that could put you at risk for an amputation.

To avoid the serious foot problems, follow these guidelines.

Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Use a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. Consult your doctor if you notice anything.

Bathe feet in lukewarm water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily.

Be gentle when bathing your feet. Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting and carefully dry between the toes.

Moisturize your feet but not between your toes since that could develop fungus. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking.

Cut nails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails.

Never treat corns or calluses yourself. No “bathroom surgery” or medicated pads. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.

Wear clean, dry socks. Change them daily.

Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin.

Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks. Never use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.

Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing. Remember, your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.

Keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t let your feet get wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.

Never walk barefoot. Not even at home! Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.

Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Do not smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.

Get periodic foot exams. Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.

Ayurveda has herbal decoctions to prevent infections and medicines to heal wounds. Herbal oil for foot massage reduce the burning sensation and tingling.

NB: please start any herbal medicines only after consulting a practitioner since different medicines will have antagonistic actions when taken together.

Dr. Jilsy Dins BAMS, MSW, LMT

www.ayurvilla.us

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