CONTRIBUTION OF AYURVEDA IN MANAGEMENT OF NON- COMMUNICABLE DISEASE -DIABETES MELLITUS

Dr. Sonam Kumari Keshari*, Dr. Avadhesh Kumar, Dr. Deena Nath Singh and Dr. Jai Shankar Prasad

ABSTRACT

A non-communicable disease (NCD) is a disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also known as chronic diseases are defined as diseases of long duration, generally having slow progression. A combination of genetic, physiological, lifestyle and environmental factors can cause these diseases. According to WHO, four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes. NCDs are the leading cause of death globally. Non communicable diseases kill 71 million people every year which accounts to 71% of annual global deaths. Among that diabetes being one of the major NCD contributes to 1.5 million deaths. It is estimated that approximately 537 million adults are living with diabetes which will hit a peak of 643 million by 2030. India is deemed as world’s diabetes capital. According to information by Health Ministry Govt. of India, the diabetic population of the country is going to hit the alarming figure of 69.9 million by 2025 and 80 million by 2030. Urban India has more incidences of diabetes than rural India. Also, the prevalence is more in age group of 70-79 years and also males are more prone to diabetes. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation and also there was 5% increase in premature mortality (aged less than 70 years) due to diabetes. The main objective of Ayurveda is to “Maintain the health of a healthy individual by prevention of disease and to cure the diseased ones.” Ayurveda being the foremost life science describes ways to prevent and manage lifestyle disorders. It provides proper dietary management, herbal medication and lifestyle advices through Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Panchakarma (Bio-purification therapies), and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, yoga and exercise. The blood sugar level reduces slowly and progressively with continuous use of ayurvedic medicines which are very safe because these medicines do not lead to hypoglycemic episodes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus Type 2, Madhumeha, Prameha, Ayurveda management, Diet, Lifestyle.