Ayurvedic Support for Type 1 Diabetes Care

As per the International Diabetes Federation, India alone had over 72 million cases of diabetes in 2017, with the prevalence rate reaching 8.7% of the adult population. This raises awareness about the importance of controlling diabetes. In such a rising situation of cases, Ayurveda comes across as a holistic support. 

In this blog, we will learn about various ways Ayurveda helps manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Ayurvedic Supportive Care for Diabetes: Diet, Lifestyle & Aushadha 

Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes can be divided into three main components: Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and Aushadha (herbal medicine).

1. Diet (Ahara)

A wholesome, balanced diet is crucial. Foods like barley, old rice, and bitter vegetables, such as Karela (bitter gourd) and fenugreek, are recommended. Some fruits and seeds can also be consumed, but it is best to avoid sugary and fatty foods. Whole grains such as barley and old rice are emphasized as staples in a diabetic diet.

2. Lifestyle (Vihara)

Regular physical activity, including walking, yoga, and other aerobic exercises, helps improve insulin sensitivity, control body weight, maintain balance, and promote overall health.

Yoga postures such as Surya Namaskar and Paschimottasana, combined with breathing. Exercises like Pranayama are specifically recommended to enhance metabolism and reduce stress.

3. Herbal Medicine

Dr Madhu Amrit Kit by Sat Kartar is an effective herbal medicine, made of effective herbs such as Neem, Karela, Jamun, and Gudmar. These herbs are recognised in Ayurveda for their valuable benefits, such as improving insulin productivity, decreasing cravings for sweets, and natural control over sugar levels. 

Herbs that Help Manage Type 1 Diabetes 

1. Giloy

This herb helps reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. It also prevents oxidative beta-cell death.

2. Neem

It has been shown to lower blood glucose from 350 to 180 mg/dL over 30 days in diabetic models through azadirachtin-mediated beta-cell protection.

3. Gudmar

This herb helped regenerate 20-30% more insulin-producing beta cells. It also improved insulin sensitivity over time, signifying its value in managing type 1 diabetes. 

4. Amla

This herb has been beneficial in reducing fasting glucose. The HbA1c levels also dropped after its consumption, signifying its value in managing type 1 diabetes. 

5. Aamra

It helps normalise triglycerides and cholesterol levels without weight loss, thus signifying its importance in managing type 1 diabetes. 

Ayurvedic Therapies that Support Type 1 Diabetes 

1. Abhyanga

It is a very old yet powerful Ayurvedic therapy that involves an oil massage. Warm herbal oils such as sesame and flaxseed oil are massaged into the body to reduce stress hormones like cortisol. 

Stress often spikes blood glucose in type 1 diabetes patients. Therefore, by controlling the stress level, Abhyanga keeps the blood sugar steady in patients with type 1 diabetes. 

2. Shirodhara 

It is a gentle practice of pouring warm medicated oil on the forehead to calm the nervous system, lowering stress-induced glucose fluctuations in Type 1 diabetes.

Some case studies show it resolves anxiety, depression, and sleep issues in Type 1 diabetes patients, indirectly stabilizing HbA1c by reducing emotional triggers.

3. Basti Therapy 

Basti is a form of therapy that delivers oil or herbal decoctions to boost gut immunity and eliminate ama, enhancing metabolic function in type 1 diabetes.

It also helps reduce insulin resistance and supports dosha equilibrium, with Type 1 diabetes cases showing 35% insulin reduction.

Dietary Guide for People with Type 1 Diabetes 

Include a low glycemic food in your diet along with your regular insulin intake. Enrich your diet with foods like barley, millets, bitter veggies, moong dal, and fenugreek water to stabilize glucose alongside insulin; small, frequent portions.

Avoid eating sweets, new rice, and potatoes; focus on warm, fresh preparations.

Lifestyle Modification for Type 1 Diabetes 

• Try to wake early (5-6 AM), practice tongue scraping and oil pulling to boost agni and detox.
• Follow consistent meal times with small portions; walk 30-60 minutes post-meals.
• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, like brisk walking, cycling, or yoga poses
• Practice stress-relieving exercises daily.
• Keep yourself hydrated and stay away from bad habits of smoking, drinking, etc.

Conclusion

Type 1 diabetes is not reversible, but it can be managed well with the right care. Take care of your diet & lifestyle, and seek the support of Ayurveda for assistance. Ayurveda helps in the long-term management of diabetes and prevents complications. Along with this, keep monitoring your sugar levels and take advice from a doctor when needed.