Ayurvedic Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the major chronic conditions in the world that is a significant burden in terms of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Unfortunately, science has yet to discover a permanent cure for it.

Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. There are also Ayurvedic medicines that can be used as adjuvant therapy alongside the conventional treatment regimen. One of the most popular Ayurvedic medicines for diabetes is Krishna’s Diabic Care Juice. Patients have vouched for better sugar control after consuming it on a regular basis.

But what about Type 1 Diabetes, where insulin therapy is necessary for survival? Can Ayurvedic treatments also play a role here? The answer is a resounding “Yes.”

Stay with us to learn more about the Ayurvedic treatment for Type 1 diabetes.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

This is an autoimmune condition that affects your pancreas (a fish-shaped organ situated deep in your belly). in such a way that it can no longer make insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone that regulates blood glucose (sugar) & acts as a key to allow sugar to enter cells for energy production.

Type 1 Diabetes is a form of Diabetes Mellitus that is often referred to as juvenile diabetes, because it is most commonly diagnosed in children below 14 years of age but can occur in adults as well.

The condition causes your blood sugar levels to rise due to which symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, persistent hunger, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue occur.

Also Read: Spotting the First Signs Of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adults

Management of Type 1 diabetes requires multiple daily insulin shots, a strict diet with carefully calculated carbohydrate intake, planned physical activity, and regular home blood glucose testing in order to live well and stay healthy.

Ayurveda For Type 1 Diabetes

Ayurveda approaches every disease, including diabetes, in a holistic manner. This ancient system of medicine focuses on the root cause while simultaneously treating the symptoms.

Ayurvedic experts believe that the pancreatic secretion of insulin can be affected by various triggers, such as recurring severe stomach infections, overconsumption of dairy products like milk, refined foods, incorrect eating habits, and poor digestion.

Weak digestion can lead to the production of a sticky toxin called ama, which may accumulate in the pancreatic cells and damage insulin production.

Ayurvedic treatment for type 1 diabetes includes judicial use of ayurvedic medications made of potent herbs, detox with panchakarma therapy, diet plan, and regular physical activity.

Best Ayurvedic Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes

The right combination of herbs, diet, exercise and stress management techniques along with the standard of care (insulin injections) can help relieve major symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

Potent ayurvedic herbs for type 1 diabetes

There are many Ayurvedic herbs that have been proven effective in various studies for maintaining blood sugar at normal levels, potentially reducing the need for insulin injections.

1. Gurmar or Gymnema sylvestre

This is a woody climbing shrub whose leaves have been used as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including diabetes, for thousands of years.

The herb is considered to have anti-diabetic properties and thus is known as a “destroyer of sugar”. It is a beneficial supplement that is used in combination with other diabetes medications to lower blood sugar in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Gurmar prevents the destruction of beta cells, which produce insulin and contribute to favourable insulin levels. It also regenerates insulin-secreting islet cells.

2. Giloy or Tinospora cordifolia

Giloy is another potent herb for diabetes. It is rich in alkaloids called berberine which help in lowering blood glucose levels.

A study involving an 8-year-old boy with Type 1 Diabetes showed. that using Giloy along with conventional insulin therapy significantly improved his condition. Over three months, his fasting blood sugar levels dropped from 230 to 110 mg/dL, postprandial blood glucose decreased from 312 to 125 mg/dL, & glycosylated haemoglobin reduced from 14.7% to 6.8%. His insulin dose was halved from 12 to 6 units per day, & classical diabetes symptoms, such as weakness, excessive hunger, thirst, and urination, were markedly relieved.

Also Read: Benefits of Giloy for Diabetes Patients

3. Vijaysar or Pterocarpus marsupium

This Ayurvedic herb for Type 1 diabetes is also effective in managing blood sugar levels for Type 2 diabetes patients. It improves insulin secretion, and reduces the destruction of beta cells, thus helping to stop the progression of the condition.

There are other herbs that have proven to be beneficial in type 1 diabetes cases such as garlic, turmeric, and ashwagandha.

An Ayurvedic product that combines the benefits of all the potent herbs mentioned above for diabetes management is Krishna’s Diabic Care Juice.

What does the product do?

• Lowers blood sugar levels by aiding in the production of insulin and the regeneration of insulin-producing islet cells.
• Prevents the absorption of excess sugar in your small intestine which helps maintain a stable amount of sugar in the blood.

Panchakarma therapy

This is a very effective Ayurvedic treatment for Type 1 diabetes. that involves a series of procedures that detoxify your body. It improves the function of every body organ and helps the body’s natural bio-intelligence to fall into place. Virechana, also known as purgation therapy, is a technique that cleanses your digestive system and supports metabolic balance. which is beneficial for managing sugar levels in your body. 

Eat right

Ayurveda recommends a Sattvic diet that consists of fruits, healthy greens, whole grains, and minimal oily or processed foods. The foods should be light on your stomach, high in fibre, and easily digestible. Along with choosing the right foods, it is important to consider the quantity of food. Eat in moderation with a balanced amount of proteins, fats, and fibre, without overdoing the carbs.

An Ayurvedic diet for Type 1 diabetes is also best tailored according to an individual’s doshas. Therefore, we recommend consulting a vaidya to get the right diet and foods that suit your preferences and needs.

Get moving

Regular exercise helps improve your metabolic functions and enhances digestive power, which may eventually boost pancreatic secretion.

Children suffering from Type 1 diabetes should be encouraged to spend more time on the playground & less time on screens. Meditation and other forms of exercise, like yoga, should also be practised at least five times a week. Some yoga asanas that are helpful in regulating blood sugar levels include Vakrasana (Twist Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), and Vajrasana (Diamond Pose). 

Wrapping Up!

Ayurvedic treatments for Type 1 diabetes are safe and time-tested processes that can support traditional treatments. However, because Type 1 diabetes is a progressive and lifelong condition. it requires very specific and precise management in terms of diet and lifestyle rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Therefore, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to understand your body type according to your dosha (primary functional energies in your body). They can help you better navigate the diabetes journey. recommend suitable foods, herbs, diet, and precise exercise and yoga practices according to your body.