A ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRAMEHA W.S.R. TO DIABETES

Abstract

Diabetes is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and health system costs. The 2011 UN high level meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) set a global target to halt the rise in the age standardized adult prevalence of diabetes at its 2010 levels by 2025. There were 69.1 million cases of diabetes in India in 2015. The number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3% increase in diabetes mortality rates by age. In 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million deaths. India now has more than 101 million people living with diabetes compared to 70 million people in 2019, according to an ICMR study published in the UK medical journal ‘Lancet’. While the numbers are stabilising in some developed states, they are increasing at an alarming rate in many others, “warranting urgent state-specific interventions”, the study notes. At least 136 million people, or 15.3% of the population, have prediabetes. The highest prevalence of diabetes was observed in Goa (26.4%), Puducherry (26.3%) and Kerala (25.5%). The national average is 11.4%. The study, however, warns of an explosion of diabetes cases in states with lower prevalence such as UP, MP, Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh, over the next few years. It is equally prevalent in male as well as female and urban as well as rural areas. In Ayurveda, the diabetes has been explained in detail under the broad umbrella of Prameha. Ayurveda has unique strength in prevention and control in diabetes due to its lipo-centric and individualized approach to the disease. Prameha is further classified into 20 varieties based on physical abnormalities of urine. However, all Prameha if neglected may lead to Madhumeha in long term. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications. The ayurvedic management of Madhumeha i.e. diabetes to prevention and control of diabetes and its complication by adopting better life style, yoga, dietary approach and treatment.