Diabetes is one of the most common yet challenging health concerns that many people face. Studies report that nearly 11% of the world population is dealing with diabetes. Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 16% of American adults -- that is close to 1 in 6 -- now has diabetes. Increasing age and excessive weight greatly increase the odds for the disease, which happens when the body does not use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

The vast majority (95%) of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body's cells no longer respond to insulin, as they should. Insulin is a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. If left unchecked, diabetes can be debilitating and even life threatening. Nevertheless, Diabetes is challenging to manage but not impossible to cure it.

Diabetes is a condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or cannot use insulin effectively (Type 2 diabetes).  According to Ayurveda, there are twenty types of Prameha - four types can crop up because of vata, six occur because of pitta and 10 occur because of kapha. Madhumeha (literally meaning sweet urine)/diabetes, a subtype of Prameha is characterized by urine that is sweet and is correlated with diabetes. Understanding the types of diabetes is crucial for effective management.

In Ayurveda, primarily we have two types of Prameha.

• Dhaatukshaya refers to the depletion of tissues in the body. This can cause juvenile diabetes.
• Avarana occurs because of a blockage in the paths of channels due to aggravated Kapha.

• Type 1 diabetes is less common and typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
• Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in seniors and is often related to lifestyle factors.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Early detection/understanding of these symptoms is key to managing diabetes effectively through appropriate and timely intervention. Diabetes can often mask the symptoms of other diseases, such as those relating to the heart or kidney. There are many cases of people suffering a mild heart attack and not knowing about it because of high diabetes.

What are the causes of Type 1 diabetes?

The primary cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. However, in this condition, the immune system can start attacking the insulin-producing cells present in the pancreas. As a result, the insulin levels in the body drops dramatically and increases the blood sugar level in your bloodstream. Apart from lack of insulin production, a mix of susceptibility and various environmental factors can trigger this condition.

What are the causes of Type 2 diabetes?

Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes. However, in this condition, your cells can become resistant to insulin and its actions. In addition, as the pancreas cannot create insulin, your body may find it challenging to overcome this resistance.

While the actual cause of type 2 diabetes is uncertain, it is believed that the condition crops up because of genetic and environmental reasons. Unlike type 1 diabetes, being overweight is a primary reason behind type 2 diabetes. However, not everyone who has type 2 diabetes is overweight.

According to Ayurveda, the following are the primary causes of diabetes:

What are the diabetes management guidelines?

While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors greatly influence the development and management of diabetes. Understanding what causes diabetes is essential in formulating prevention strategies.

What are the other tips for diabetes management?

·      The Role of Self-Management - Diabetes self-management is allowing seniors to understanding how to monitor blood sugar levels, recognizing symptoms that require medical attention, and making daily lifestyle choices that contribute to stable blood sugar levels. 

·       Managing Diabetes Effectively - Effective management of diabetes involves a holistic approach such as regular medical check-ups by healthcare professionals and get tailored diabetes guidelines. Lifestyle modifications includes changing eating habits and diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated. Proper management of chronic pain can indirectly aid in diabetes management.

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