Blending Ayurvedic Practices With Modern Medicine Can Transform Diabetes Care

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 77 million people in India above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics. It adds that more than 50  per cent of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early.

Adults with diabetes face a two to three-fold increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and unregulated sugar levels can affect ocular health, and the nervous system, cause foot ulcers, and damage kidneys. It also restricts dietary choices, limiting what an individual can eat, which can be particularly challenging as food preferences play a significant role in quality of life.

It is this intriguing connection between quality of life and overarching wellness markers that makes the Ayurvedic approach relevant in diabetes treatment. Unlike allopathy, which often focuses on symptomatic relief, Ayurveda emphasises holistic healing, offering significant benefits to diabetic patients. The Ayurvedic method primarily centres on a balanced diet, exercise, detoxification, and targeted medications to support the reversal of the condition and prevent further complications.

According to Poly Scientific Ayurveda, an individual’s health depends on maintaining a perfect balance between the three doshas-Vata, Pitta and Kapha (VPK). Poly Scientific Ayurveda (PSA) has developed advanced devices that collect biological signals from a person’s fingerprint and leverage traditional Ayurvedic wisdom along with modern technology to assess doshas. This research, utilising VPK-42 fingerprinting and the Vatapithika model in animal studies under controlled experimental conditions, reveals how the PSA concepts of Vata, Pitta and Kapha influence glucose metabolism. We found that these doshas alter metabolic pathways differently in various individuals, affecting their unique glucose requirements. In PSA, Pramehas (metabolic disorders) refers to conditions where blood glucose levels rise to meet the body’s metabolic needs, particularly in the Vata and Pitta types. In Pitta types, glucose is burned faster, necessitating higher levels of sustained energy. For Vata types, which have hyper-excitable tissues that rapidly use energy, the body also requires elevated blood glucose levels. This is because glucose is a primary source for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that provides energy for cellular functions.

Research, including the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial and the ACCORD trial by the American College of Physicians, has shown that strict glucose-lowering measures can lead to hypoglycemia in some individuals. Specifically, HbA1c levels below 6.5 or even 7 were found to cause hypoglycaemic episodes in certain patients, highlighting the need for individualised glucose management in diabetes care. This insight aligns with Ayurvedic teachings, which identify Madhumeha (diabetes) and recognise 20 distinct types of Pramehas, emphasising the need for personalised approaches to diabetes management based on individual metabolic profiles.

Why is this important? Individuals with hyper-mitochondrial activity or hyper-excitable tissues cannot tolerate low blood glucose levels, necessitating different standards for glucose management. Therefore, before jumping to conclusions, I strongly believe that the data we have generated and the patients we have treated support the notion that metabolic typing is a critical factor in approaching diabetes care.

How can Poly Scientific Ayurvedic approaches and allopathic methods work together to create a comprehensive wellness plan for diabetes patients? Although further research is needed, Poly Scientific Ayurvedic experts can collaborate with allopathic doctors and diabetologists worldwide to consider metabolic typing, which includes body type, hormonal balance, genetic factors and personal health history. This is important because different body types may have varying metabolic rates and energy requirements, and metabolism is directly influenced by hormones. Genetics also plays a key role in metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

After understanding the doshic imbalances related to diabetes, PSA offers valuable insights for dietary and lifestyle modifications aimed at restoring balance. It harnesses the power of herbs and spices known for their anti-diabetic properties, which can enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, while also suggesting activities that align with your body type and personal preferences. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, along with a customised diet, can effectively support blood sugar control and improve overall health.

A collaborative effort between traditional methods and modern approaches can manage diabetes more effectively. This holistic approach involves caring for not only the physical body but also the mind and spirit.