Diabetes

“Diabetes Mellitus is a syndrome of impaired carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism caused either by lack of insulin secretion or decreased sensitivity of the tissues to insulin.”

Diabetes is called as silent killer, because even being a multi system disorder it may not show any symptoms at all. So it becomes very important for everyone to have knowledge about this disease.

Alternative Names

‘Madumeha’ in Ayurveda. ‘Madhu’ means honey and ‘meha’ means urine.

Symptoms

Diabetes affects various organs and systems of the body. Creating havoc in the physiology but still may not show any symptoms at all.

Maturity onset diabetes creeps into the body so silently that the victim remains unaware and symptom-less. On the other hand, juvenile diabetes develops suddenly and gives rise to dramatic symptoms.

Increase in the amount of urine is the only symptom common in two types of diabetes. The following symptoms points towards a possibility of diabetes.

• Excessive Thirst and Dryness of mouth

• Excessive and Frequent Urination

• Excessive Hunger, Loss of weight, Weakness Fatigue and Body Ache

• Delayed Healing of the wounds, Easy Susceptibility to Infections of the skin, gums and the respiratory system

• Intense Itching all over the body, especially that of the genital parts

• Frequent changes in the sharpness of vision and the spectacle-numbers

• Aching or numbness of limbs and an abnormal increase or decrease in skin sensations

• Sexual Disability or Impotence

• Diabetic Unconsciousness

Besides, following circumstances also arouse suspicion of diabetes:

• Sudden weight gain after the age of 45 years

• Coronary Heart Disease

• Cerebral Hemorrhage

• Usage of drugs like Steroids

Causes

There are two types of diabetes:

Type I Diabetes which is also called as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Usual onset of Type I Diabetes occurs at about 14 years of age, often called as juvenile diabetes mellitus. It may develop very abruptly, over a period of a few days or weeks. Main causes are:

• Lack of insulin production by beta cells of pancreas

• Injury to beta cells of pancreas or diseases that impair insulin production

• Viral infection, Auto immune disorders, Heredity

Type II Diabetes which is also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) caused by decreased sensitivity of target tissues to the metabolic effect of insulin. This reduced sensitivity is often referred to as ‘insulin resistance’. This accounts for 80-90% of all cases of diabetes. Most people with Type II Diabetes Mellitus are obese. It is usually secondary to obesity. Other causes are:

• Heredity , Obesity , Modern Lifestyles

In both type of diabetes the metabolism of all the main food stuffs is altered. The basic effect of insulin lack or insulin resistance on glucose metabolism is to prevent the efficient uptake and utilization of glucose by most cells of the body except those of the brain. As a result blood glucose increases, cell utilization of glucose falls increasingly lower, and utilization of fat and proteins increases.

Yogic Therapy - A Robust Cure

The blood sugar is consumed in two ways, in presence of insulin or through Yoga exercise. During Yoga exercise, sugar enters the muscle cells even in absence of insulin.

Medical Yoga Therapy addresses all these problems in this sequence:

• Helps in increasing blood supply to pancreas, resulting into enhanced production of insulin.

• Peripheral consumption of sugar is improved in arm and leg muscles, resulting in reduced blood sugar levels.

• Insulin receptors are activated (especially on the abdominal wall) resulting in increased utilization of insulin.

• Digestion is improved by improving juices secretion in the stomach and intestines.

• Reduces Stress levels.

• Besides all the given benefits, the sequence of given asanas also help in preventing Diabetic complications.

Sequence of Asanas

A special sequence comprising of asanas like Supta veerasana, Suptabaddha konasana, Viprita Dandasana, Matsya asana, Merudanda asana followed by Shavasana is designed. Props are appropriately used to make the 'Saadhaka' comfortable and gain from the posture. The asanas are aimed at addressing the root cause as well as curbing the symptoms to cure the ailment.

As patients suffer from pain and restricted motion, the asanas and therapies are done differently with use of props and belts to ease the poses and provide maximum benefit. These therapies should only be performed under an expert guidance to avoid any complications.

Cervical Spondylitis (Neck Pain)

Osteo Arthritis (Knee Pain)

Lumbar Spondylitis (Back Pain)

Frozen Shoulder

Cardiac Problems

Osteo Porosis

Diabetes

Ankylosing Spondylitis