Prediabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but lower than type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that about 88 million adults in the United States have prediabetes, and most are unaware of it. Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition affecting the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing prediabetes.
The root cause of prediabetes
Ayurveda is not just another system of medicine but a way of life that emphasizes the importance of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to achieve optimal health.
Ayurveda believes everything in the universe comprises five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements combine to form the three energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique mix of these doshas that determines their unique physical and mental characteristics.
In Ayurveda, the root cause of the disease is an imbalance in the doshas. Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore balance and harmony to the doshas, which can be achieved through diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and other natural therapies.
Ayurvedic Approach to Prediabetes
In Ayurveda, prediabetes results from an imbalance in the doshas, particularly the Kapha dosha. Kapha dosha is responsible for maintaining the body’s structure and stability. When Kapha dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to excess weight, slow metabolism, and insulin resistance, all risk factors for prediabetes.
The Ayurvedic approach to managing prediabetes involves making lifestyle changes to balance the doshas and improve insulin sensitivity. Here are some of the Ayurvedic recommendations for managing prediabetes:
Follow a Kapha-pacifying diet
A Kapha-pacifying diet is a low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet rich in veggies, fruits, and whole grains. This type of diet helps to reduce excess weight and improve insulin sensitivity. Avoiding foods include fried foods, processed foods, sugary foods, and dairy products.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment for prediabetes. Exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce excess weight, and balance the doshas. Ayurveda recommends moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, and swimming, for at least 30 minutes daily.
Manage stress
Stress can lead to imbalances in the doshas and contribute to insulin resistance. Ayurveda recommends stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Use Ayurvedic herbs and spices
Ayurvedic herbs and spices can improve insulin sensitivity and balance the doshas. Some of the commonly used herbs for prediabetes include:
Gymnema: This herb improves insulin sensitivity and reduces sugar cravings.
Turmeric: This spice can help to reduce insulin resistance due to its has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon: This spice has improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek: This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Get adequate sleep
Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of the doshas.
Ayurvedic treatments for prediabetes
- Diet and Nutrition
Ayurveda emphasizes a healthy diet in managing prediabetes. A balanced diet can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, prevent insulin resistance, and reduce inflammation. Some of the dietary recommendations for prediabetes include:
- Eating whole, fresh foods high in fiber and low in sugar and processed carbohydrates.
- Consuming healthy fats such as seeds, nuts, avocados, and coconut oil.
- Including lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and tofu.
- Avoid processed and packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Drinking water and herbal teas to stay hydrated to flush out toxins from the body.
- Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda has a rich tradition of using herbs and spices for their medicinal properties. Several herbs have been shown to have anti-diabetic effects and can help manage prediabetes. Some herbs that can be used to treat prediabetes include:
- Amla: Also known as Indian Gooseberry, amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can help prevent and manage prediabetes.
Yoga
Physical activity is an essential component of managing prediabetes. Regular exercise can help in improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood glucose levels, and reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Ayurveda recommends practicing yoga as a form of exercise for its many health benefits. Yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength and reduce stress and anxiety. Some yoga poses that can be beneficial for managing prediabetes include:
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): This sequence of poses is a full-body workout that can help improve heart health, increase energy levels, and reduce stress.
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): This pose can help stretch the hamstrings, lower back, and hips, calm the mind, and reduce stress.
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of Fishes Pose): This pose can help stimulate the pancreas, improve digestion, and increase circulation to the abdominal organs.
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): This pose can help improve balance and stability and strengthen the legs and core muscles.
Ayurvedic treatment for prediabetes can help arrest the harmful effects of prediabetes & type 2 diabetes before symptoms worsen.
Efficacy of Ayurvedic herbs for prediabetes
The efficacy of Ayurvedic herbs has been proved both in practical prognosis and laboratory tests. Studies have proved their efficacy in managing Diabetes Type-2, including blood glucose lowering capacity and improving overall glucose metabolism. The following treatments help manage Type 2 Diabetes and its associated complications listed below:
– Cardiovascular disease
– Nerve damage (neuropathy)
– Kidney damage (nephropathy)
– Eye damage (retinopathy)
– Diabetic foot
– Diabetic Skin conditions
Type 2 diabetes is a constantly evolving disease that affects multiple organs simultaneously. It is popularly known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a mild form of diabetes, generally appearing in adulthood. Progressively this disease causes damage to the pancreas, kidneys, heart, skin, eyes, and nerves, which are easily managed by the following treatment plans and herbs. It is divided into treatment for pre-diabetes, established diabetes, and long-standing diabetes (having complications).
See: Pre-diabetes Diet Plan for Vegetarians
The combination of Haridra (Turmeric) and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) has been used in ethno medical practices. Recent studies have shown its involvement in the regeneration and rejuvenation of cells leading to increased insulin production and secretion (1) and reduction of glucose and blood pressure
(2) Treatment in Established Diabetes
Vijaysaar (Petrocarpus Marsupium), Chirayta (Swertia chirayita)are one of the most potent antidiabetic herbs. This combination shows a significant reduction in post pardinal sugar
(3) along with overcoming insulin resistance
(4). It also shows hepatoprotective
(5) and Cardiotonic activities
(6). Treatment in Long-Standing Diabetes
Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini) significantly reduce diabetes when used in the long term. Neem blocks the action of epinephrine on glucose metabolism, thus increasing peripheral glucose utilization.
See: Normal blood glucose levels & Diabetes
(7). It has also been shown to delay the onset of diabetes
(8). Jamun, on the other hand, restores altered hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen content and hepatic glucokinase
(9). Its seeds and fruit pulp contains bioactive properties, directly reducing blood glucose levels.
See: Broccoli Nutrition & Health Benefits Diabetes, Cancer, Heart
Herbal mixture In Prediabetes
Ayurveda treatment for Diabetes
In Long-standing Diabetes Patients
Caution
See: Honey And Diabetes
