Type 2 Diabetes

A few people have been asking me about what Ayurved would recommend to prevent or reverse Type 2 Diabetes. First let us understand diabetes from the biological perspective of Western medicine. Due to excess consumption of refined sugars and carbohydrate the pancreas produces less insulin and also the cell walls have become less receptive to insulin or have developed and insulin resistance. There are drugs that will stimulate the pancreas and also to reduce the insulin resistance of the cells. When this occurs the sugars do not pass through the cell walls and do not get into the cell where they would normally be used as energy. Then the sugar stays in the blood and is excreted via the kidneys. Thus the elevated blood sugar.

Ayurved sees Diabetes as a Kapha type disorder in which the diminished digestive fire lead to a tendency of high blood sugar. They would then recommend a Kapha pacifying diet. Avoiding excess sugars, carbohydrates and diary products. Encouraging fresh vegetables and bitter herbs.

Certian yoga postures are also recommended as they bring more life force to the vital organs. For example - the sun salutations, legs lifts and alternate nostril breathing. Also early morning walks are always recommended for maintaining good health.