Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of sugar metabolism that has spread rapidly and is considered a widespread disease. In Germany, approximately seven million people suffer from diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2. From an Ayurvedic perspective, we examine possible triggers and therapeutic approaches for diabetes. We introduce Ayurvedic herbs and provide seven tips for lowering blood sugar levels.
Preventive measures and lifestyle and dietary changes implemented quickly after diagnosis often contribute to improvement of the condition.
The Essentials at a Glance
- Diabetes mellitus describes a disorder of sugar metabolism.
- Type 2 diabetes can be positively influenced through lifestyle changes.
- Ayurveda recommends a Kapha-reducing diet.
- Regular physical activity is essential for improving symptoms.
- Various Ayurvedic herbs can help lower blood sugar.
Diabetes mellitus – Excessive Urination and Diagnosis
The patient experiences excessive thirst, hot feet, and frequent urination, prompting a visit to the doctor. Often, after a urinalysis, the diagnosis is diabetes. In diabetes, insufficient sugar can be transported from the blood into the tissues, which increases sugar concentration in the blood. The term diabetes mellitus comes from Greek and means "honey-sweet flowing through," referring to the excess urine produced by people with diabetes.
Why is diabetes dangerous?
The organic complications of untreated or long-standing diabetes are life-threatening. Over time, all Dhatus (body tissues) are damaged, leading to further symptoms and secondary conditions. Early and holistic treatment as well as avoiding causes are necessary.
Main Forms of Diabetes
The classification of diabetes mellitus has become more detailed through medical research. In addition to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, there are Type 3 and subcategories as well as gestational and childhood diabetes. What all these forms have in common is pathologically elevated blood sugar levels. However, the causes vary. Type 2 diabetes is influenced by overweight, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Diabetes mellitus Type 2 in Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda calls Type 2 diabetes "madhumeha" or "prameha." The cause of prameha is usually hyperglycemia, caused by reduced insulin production by the pancreas. This impairs carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism as well as water-electrolyte balance, leading to complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and other organs.
Prameha: Diabetes Diagnosis in Ayurveda
Ayurveda distinguishes 20 forms of prameha. Diabetes is one form of prameha, while prameha encompasses more than diabetes. Prameha is a metabolic disorder of Agni (digestive fire). When these Agnis malfunction, carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted and the disease manifests.
Ayurvedic Texts: Is Diabetes a Result of Kapha Imbalance?
Diabetes is one of the best-documented diseases in Western and Far Eastern medicine. The Asthanga Hrdayam, Vagbhata Samhita, and Charaka Samhita describe the trigger of prameha as an increase in Kapha. Phlegm, fat, and urine are increased by sweet, sour, salty, fatty, and hard-to-digest foods, alcohol, and irregular sleep.
Causes of Diabetes: Poor Lifestyle and Eating Habits
The development of prameha almost always begins with increased Kapha. If treatment is neglected, further symptoms appear. Many signs of Type 2 diabetes correlate with the symptoms of Kapha manifestations of prameha. Overweight is a decisive trigger, as fat cells release messenger substances that reduce insulin sensitivity.
Kriyakala – Stages of Diabetes Disease in Ayurveda
The first three stages of any disease are called Sanchaya (accumulation), Prakopa (provocation), and Prasara (spread). High blood sugar is described as increased Kapha in the spreading stage. Treatment should occur during the provocation stage, before Dosha elevation and organ damage occurs.
| Kriyakala | Stage | Description |
| Sanchaya | Accumulation | Dosha-increasing cause >> Dosha increase, still limited to the Dosha seat |
| Prakopa | Provocation | Dosha aggravation spreads to the immediate surroundings of the seat |
| Prasara | Spread / Migration | Aggravated Dosha leaves its seat, circulates in the body, in the srotas (body channels) |
| Sthana-Samsraya | Localization | Dosha accumulates at previously damaged sites where srotas have dysfunctions |
| Vyakti | Manifestation | Accumulated Dosha affects adjacent tissue (dusya), symptoms manifest |
| Bheda | Complication, Chronicity | Persistent disease process leads to complications or irreversible tissue damage |
What Ayurveda Recommends for Diabetes Prevention
Lifestyle (vihara): In Ayurveda, it is said that daytime napping lasting longer than 30 minutes and a sedentary life promote the development of diabetes.
Nutrition (ahara): Ayurveda recommends eating only when hungry. Foods should contain all six taste qualities. If only the sweet taste predominates, Kapha and thus medas (fat) are increased, leading to prameha.
The Sushruta Samhita states that a Type 2 diabetes mellitus patient should walk 800 miles barefoot in a year or perform physical labor. Physical exertion promotes organ stability and normalization of metabolism. Sports, gardening, asanas, and pranayama are recommended. Foods, herbs, and spices with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes are recommended.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Reducing Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
Ayurveda names the following blood sugar-lowering herbs:
- Amla: Phyllanthus emblica / Amalaki
- Triphala: The fruits of Haritaki, Vibhitaki, Amalaki
- Guduchi: Tinospora cardifolia
- Arjuna: Terminalia Arjuna
- Methika: Trigonaella foenugraecum / Fenugreek
- Haridra: Curcuma Longa / Turmeric
- Musta: Cyperus rotendus
- Aristaka: Azadirachta indica / Neem
- Gokshura: Tribulus terrestris / Puncture vine
- Karela: Momordica charantia / Bitter melon
- Bhunimba: Andrographis paniculata / Kalmegh
- Meshashrungi: Gymnema sylvestrae / Gurmar
- Jambu: Syzygium cumini / Jambol tree
- Daruharidra: Berberis aristata / Barberry
- Shatavari: Asparagus racemosus / Indian asparagus root
- Tvak: Cinnamomum / Cinnamon
- Shilajit / Mumijo
- Guggul / Myrrh resin
What Should You Remember?
We have learned much about Type 2 diabetes, Kapha imbalances, and possible consequences of the disease. What is decisive is the stage at which treatment begins and a change process regarding eating and lifestyle habits can be initiated. Each patient should be treated individually, but the following principles apply:
- Avoid the causes.
- Review your diet (ahara) and lifestyle (vihara) – change if necessary, move when possible.
- Perform fasting cures (shodana) and cleansing cures (pancha karma) to relieve your metabolism, eliminate toxins, strengthen your tissues, and stimulate your body's self-healing abilities.
- Support therapy with herbs, oils, and teas.
[Quick Help] 7 Tips for Diabetes: What Can You Do Right Now?
A Kapha-reducing diet is essential, as is changing lifestyle habits. Here we explain how you can begin:
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Drink warm water, preferably with ginger.
Drink 2-3 glasses of warm water every morning after waking and ginger tea throughout the day (6 slices of fresh peeled ginger root and a pinch of pepper in one liter of water, simmered for 10-20 minutes). Honey water also supports the elimination process, as honey has a scraping and cleansing effect. -
Take turmeric.
Best 2-3 times daily, before meals. Either drink ½ - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder + warm water or consume the fresh root. -
Eat as regularly and mostly warm food as possible.
Particularly good are mung beans, kitchari, steamed vegetables, and vegetable soups. Avoid cold, sour, fatty, and fried foods as well as sausage, meat, and eggs, especially in the evening. The best meat is chicken. Legumes, tofu, and soy products are recommended as substitutes. -
Eat mindfully.
Use a smaller plate, arrange the dishes attractively, and place only the plate on the table, not the pots. Eat calmly and without distractions. -
Dry massages and sauna visits.
Rub your entire body 1-2 times daily with a brush or rough cloth. Regular sauna visits are also recommended. -
Regular physical activity.
Take regular walks or exercise as you wish. Yoga, relaxation exercises, and meditation are recommended. Avoid daytime napping and comfort. -
Breathing exercises and meditation.
This should become a fixed part of your day, for example, before bedtime or in the morning before breakfast.
From Personal Experience as an Ayurvedic Practitioner
A patient in the early stages of diabetes often does not recognize the need to change their diet or lifestyle, causing valuable time to pass and tissues to be damaged. The cycle of disease can only be broken through the willingness to make changes early on.
Positive examples have shown that a change in habits and diet is possible. Even without a diet plan, simply by eating the right food at the right time, blood sugar levels can be lowered, cholesterol reduced, and body weight decreased. This increases mobility and joy of life.
It is important for the patient to realize that they themselves are responsible for their own health. Only then can the willingness arise to make changes early on. Ayurvedic practitioners support you in this.
