Diabetes mellitus, commonly called diabetes, is a lifestyle disorder that causes high blood sugar. In this metabolic disorder, either the body fails to synthesise or is unable to utilise the hormone insulin. The hormone insulin moves sugar from circulating blood into cells to store and make it available for utilisation as energy.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system. In ancient scripts of Ayurveda, diabetes is described as prameha. Prameha and madhumeha have a description as diseases affecting wealthy, affluent and elite populations. The scriptures have documented the use of Ayurveda in diabetes treatment in detail.
The vaidyas believed that the elite population only engaged in the pleasures of life and not physical activity. However, in modern times, we know that diabetes can affect people from all walks of life.
Even if lifestyle changes may help in many patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, these patients are more likely to develop various medical problems such as damage to their eyes and nerves, as well as heart attacks and strokes, medications play a very important role to prevent this from happening, do not stop your diabetic medications abruptly without consulting your physician.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
In Ayurvedic manuscripts, the manifestation of madhumeha is through excess thirst and urination. Madhumeha Sanskrit word translated as ”Madhu” means sweet and ”Meha” means urine. The name madhumeha comes from the fact that diabetic urine tastes like honey.
In ancient Ayurveda literature, each person is a unique blend of Doshas. There are three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Samhitas mention diabetes as primarily a Kapha dosha caused by excess body weight, overconsumption of sweets and lack of physical activity.
The treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda is classified based on the categories. Ayurveda has sorted diabetes into two categories and 24 subcategories. The two categories are:
â— Avarana – Avarana is the result of blocked body channels and aggravated by Kapha dosha.
â— Dhatuksyaya – Dhatus are bodily tissues whose affliction leads to juvenile diabetes.
The initial symptoms of diabetes include
â— Hunger and lethargy
â— Frequent urination
â— Increased thirst
â— Increased appetite
â— Itchy skin and dry mouth
â— Blurred vision
â— Delayed wound healing
â— Weakness
Ayurveda in diabetes as a treatment modality offers a holistic approach. Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes varies based on the Prakriti (constitution) and severity of the disease. It includes
â— Panchakarma (bio purification procedures)
â— Vamana
â— Virechana
â— Vasti/Basti
â— Yoga
â— Vyayama (exercise)
â— Pathya (diet)
â— Herbal medicines
These herbal medicines enhance sensitivity for glucose receptors. They also enhance insulin secretion and support the regeneration of beta cells.
Herbs play an important role in diabetes management through Ayurveda. These are some of the commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes treatment.
It is advisable to consult a qualified Ayurveda doctor before administering these Ayurvedic home remedies for diabetes. A combination of these herbs in various quantities is found in the composition of Ayurvedic sugar tablets for managing diabetes.
The dietary recommendations for diabetic patients include:
â— The diet should be rich in fibre content such as green vegetables and fruits.
â— One should consume garlic and onions to manage blood sugar levels.
â— Drinking water stored in a copper container.
â— Cooking recipes should include whole spices like cumin, coriander, clove, turmeric and cardamom.
â— Diet should frequently incorporate bitter and astringent foods like bitter gourd, barley, fish and moong dal.
â— One can eat Bengal gram for glucose tolerance and urinary excretion.
â— Avoid high carbs and rich fats like potatoes, wheat and milk products.
Since the approach of Ayurveda in diabetes management is holistic, there are some Ayurvedic home remedies for diabetes that can be used. These are relatively safe and simple to use daily.
Ayurvedic home remedies for blood sugar include:
In conditions such as diabetes, patients may need a holistic mode of treatment to notice the required results. Patients can consider Ayurveda in diabetes treatment. It is a combination of choosing the correct diet, a gentle medium for treatment and regular exercise.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Does arthritis of the feet make you groan in pain with the slightest movement? Inflammation and stiffness of the joints can make even the gentlest of activities a sheer agony.
Similarly, another type of foot pain that makes life miserable is triggered by diabetes. Elevated sugar levels contract the blood vessels, resulting in limited blood flows to the feet. This leads to loss of sensation in the feet, soreness, swelling, and acute pain.
But foot pain no longer needs to interrupt your regular activities. Try LivEasy Essentials Therapeutic Socks to cope with any kind of foot pain.
Feet and lower legs can be affected by not just diabetic neuropathy or arthritis, but also for a number of reasons. You may experience foot pain due to an injury. Plantar fasciitis is another kind of foot disorder that causes inflammation of the fibrous tissues at the bottom of your feet. Foot pain may arise if you strain or tear any ligament or tendon there.
All of these conditions require medical intervention. At the same time, there is something you can do alongside medication and physiotherapy that can help take the intensity off foot pain. Wear LivEasy Essentials Therapeutic Socks regularly.
How do LivEasy Essentials Therapeutic Socks work? These socks apply gentle pressure on your feet and lower legs. This generates warmth which increases blood supply to the affected regions of the foot. With more oxygenated blood flowing to your feet, the intensity of the pain and discomfort will subside.
LivEasy Essentials Therapeutic Socks also cushion the vulnerable pressure points of the feet and absorb shock when you walk or set your foot down on the floor/ground.
Also Read: What Deficiency Causes Cold Hands And Feet: A Scientific Investigation
Another reason why LivEasy Essentials Therapeutic Socks will be the perfect addition to your foot care routine is that these socks are made from sweat-absorbent material. Not only will they keep your feet dry and odour-less, but these socks will also reduce the likelihood of foot infections. People with diabetes are particularly prone to foot ulcers and infections. The socks’ stretchable honeycomb knitting, terry toe, and Y heel ensure that they fit you snugly.
Foot pain is particularly problematic for the simple reason that feet are some most extensively used parts of our body. We need them to move from one spot to another. Foot pain can be managed with some care and small lifestyle change. Start using LivEasy Essentials Therapeutic Socks and follow your doctor’s instructions.
14 November is World Diabetes Day! This day is all about spreading awareness regarding the dangers of diabetes and informing people how they can keep diabetes under control. This year, the urgency is more intense. Why? Because a pandemic is raging and it has a link to diabetes. Now, more than ever before, people with diabetes must keep their blood sugar level in check. But, since COVID has interrupted our regular lifestyle, it might be a little difficult. Read on to find out how you can ace the diabetes management challenge!
Ever since COVID-19 struck, our lives have turned upside down. It has affected everyone in multiple ways. Many people are working from home. With the whole family at home, challenges arise. On top of that, with so many people losing their jobs, financial difficulties have also arisen. Managing diabetes can be difficult because:
The pandemic is definitely not the time when you can relax your diabetes management routine. Diabetes is a comorbidity of COVID-19. Many studies and surveys have found that people with diabetes are much more likely to develop life-threatening COVID infections. Diabetes weakens our immunity & thus the body is not able to fight off the coronavirus.
When diabetics contract COVID, it increases their risk of ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) and hyperglycemia (which may trigger cardiac diseases and nerve damage).
To manage diabetes during the pandemic, you have to be extra proactive:
Also, try our new EverHerb Diabetic essentials, for better immunity to fight against diabetes.
This World Diabetes Day, let’s pledge to do everything in your power to manage your diabetes or help someone you love who has this disorder!
Also Read: Are Bananas Good for Diabetics? A Research-Based Analysis
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
So how will you give your body the nutrition it needs to keep all these conditions in control? Just start consuming LivEasy Wellness Diabetic Protein Powder. It has been formulated with those specific ingredients that the to diet of a diabetic person needs. The ingredients are top-grade and 100 percent natural and can serve as a meal supplement for a diabetic person.
Each of the ingredients in LivEasy Wellness Diabetic Protein Powder plays an important role in diabetes management. Consume LivEasy Wellness Diabetic Protein Powder daily as it can improve the overall health of the person who consumes it.
Whey protein can make you feel full for a long time after a meal. That means you will not be eating junk food between meals. This protein can also lower the secretion of ghrelin (the hunger hormone). This is how whey protein prevents further weight gain. Becoming obese can be dangerous for diabetics as that makes the disease more complicated. Protein also has a low glycaemic index, meaning your blood sugar level will not rise much when you consume it.
Nobody can survive without carbohydrates because they provide our body with energy. But people with diabetes need to consume the right kind of carbohydrates- complex carbohydrates. They do not break down immediately after consumption because they are made of complex chains of sugar. Immediate disintegration, as in the case of simple carbohydrates, raises blood sugar. But complex carbohydrates break down slowly and release energy for a long period of time.
Diabetes increases the risk of infection and the onset of other diseases because it weakens the body’s immunity. But thankfully, vitamins act as antioxidants that boost immunity and prevent cell damage by free radicals (oxidative stress). Vitamins also improve the function of heart muscles and make your cells respond to insulin. Other than that, you can expect strong bones and good skin and hair if you consume vitamins.
Also Read: Does Protein Powder Make You Gain Weight? Debunking Fitness Myths
Minerals can improve insulin function – a must in people with diabetes. Minerals enable your body to produce the right amount of insulin and utilize blood sugar properly to prevent sugar spike. Besides, minerals too improve immunity, regulate your heartbeat and help in the transmission of nerve signals.
Since diabetes increases the risk of heart disorders, patients must take good care of their heart health. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are crucial for reducing bad cholesterol level in the blood. These fatty acids also keep your blood vessels clean and flexible and lower the risk of atherosclerosis (hardened and constricted vessels). This, in turn, reduces hypertension risk. They will also boost heart function and improve blood supply to all parts of the body. People with diabetes will also benefit from the anti-oxidative function of Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Dietary fibre is needed for weight control – something that many diabetic people struggle with. Dietary fibre stays in your digestive system for a long time and does not make you feel hungry so that you do not binge-eat. Moreover, dietary fibre will also improve your bowel movement and rehydrate your gastrointestinal tract.
Diabetes can be managed with a careful diet and lots of exercises. Since it is not always possible to eat the foods that provide you with the nutrients you need to control diabetes, a health drink can help. So consume LivEasy Wellness Diabetic Protein Powder regularly and manage diabetes like a pro!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
One such disease that many people with diabetes suffer from is diabetes foot disease. These foot disorders can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Walking can become very difficult.
So what should you do if you have been experiencing any of the complications caused by diabetic foot disease? Try LivEasy Essential Diabetic & Orthopedic Slipper. These slippers can make it possible for you to walk in comfort again. How? Read on to know more.
Also Read: Diabetic Foot: Understanding Its Causes and Research-Based Strategies to Reduce the risk
These slippers have been designed keeping in mind the specific kind of foot problems that people with diabetes experience. Their feet need extra care and support, which these slippers provide.
Here are a few things that make LivEasy Essential Diabetic & Orthopedic Slipper especially suited to the needs of diabetic foot problems-
If you have foot problems caused by diabetes, then your feet will need special care. So, get yourself LivEasy Essential Diabetic & Orthopedic Slipper as soon as possible. Your feet deserve the best.
A healthy pregnancy is a priority for every mother-to-be, but for women who have diabetes, including those who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, their health care can become more complex. You have a challenging road ahead of you, but the good news is that there’s a lot you can do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Women with diabetes who are diagnosed prior to pregnancy have a higher risk of complications, including miscarriage and birth defects. The good news is that with a plan, healthy strategies, and support, you can control your diabetes, have a healthy pregnancy, and deliver a healthy baby.
If you have diabetes and plan to conceive, you should talk to your doctor to make sure your A1C levels are normal, talk about medication if it’s necessary or ask to be referred to a nutritionist.
Get your HB A1C levels tested regularly. Book Test here.
One of the best ways to ensure you will have a healthy pregnancy is to make sure you start out at a normal weight. Eat a primarily plant-based diet, avoid excessive added sugars, preservatives, processed foods, and those high in saturated fats.
Read More About 5 Diet Tips for Diabetes Management
Women who have diabetes can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby, but it’s important to monitor diabetes complications that could worsen throughout pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, vision loss, and kidney disease.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Exercise will help you metabolize food better, control blood glucose and help to control your weight during and after pregnancy. The CDC recommends pregnant women get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.
Read More About 7 Health Benefits of Regular Exercise
When planning your meals, know how many carbohydrates are in each food and limit the amount you eat because it will raise your blood sugar.
Vegetables are filled with phytonutrients and fill-you-up fibre, plus they aid digestion and prevent excess weight gain. They also are low calorie and low in carbohydrates, so they won’t affect your blood sugar. Non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and broccoli are all good choices.
Make sure you eat every two to three hours during the day to keep nausea at bay. If you take insulin or pills, eat a few saltine crackers before getting out of bed in the morning and then take your medication to make sure you can keep food down. A small source of fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, honey, or juice can help if your blood glucose levels are low. Then have breakfast that includes a healthy protein source like eggs or plain Greek yoghurt.
Try a fresh green vegetable juice, which is a good source of folate and calcium. This can control your appetite and prevent sugar cravings. Avoid juices with a lot of fruit because it can spike your blood sugar.
Also Read: Can You Get Pregnant Without Having Sex? Debunking Pregnancy Myths
It’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Be sure to avoid juice, soda, sports drinks and sweeteners in coffee and tea.
It’s OK to enjoy a slice of pie or holiday cookies but take stock of the total amount of carbohydrates you’ll be eating with dessert and if you will need to compensate with medication. If you want dessert, consider having a salad instead of a sandwich as your meal, for example.
Look for apps that help you log blood sugar, food or count carbs and sensors and continuous blood glucose monitors.
Studies show 35 to 60 per cent of women with gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. If you have gestational diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor about monitoring your blood glucose and making lifestyle changes after your pregnancy.
You might have misconceptions about diabetes in pregnancy, blame yourself or need advice. Seek out the help of a certified diabetes educator, a registered dietitian nutritionist who can help you create a realistic and delicious meal plan or a community of pregnant moms who have diabetes. It’s important to realize that you will need a plan, make healthy lifestyle choices for you and your baby and seek out information. But stick with it, and you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Also Read About: 10 Home Remedies For Diabetes
When suffering from diabetes in pregnancy, remember it’s important to work hard at achieving excellent control, remember that occasional blood sugar that is higher than you like is not going to do long-term damage to your child. And if you feel yourself getting frustrated and burnt out, try to keep in mind some of the long-term benefits of all the hard work you’re putting into your pregnancy.
Need more information on diabetes and its related diseases? Ask Anya! Chat with Anya Bot here via Facebook and get more information on diabetes management.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Erectile dysfunction and diabetes are deeply connected. Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. For some men, the problem is that they cannot get an erection, while for others, it is that the erection doesn’t last long enough. While there may be many reasons as to why someone has erectile dysfunction and men who have diabetes get this condition within ten years of diagnosis. The onset of erectile dysfunction is in men under the age of 45 years, usually. Those who have heart problems or high blood pressure problems may begin to experience erectile dysfunction much earlier.
Erectile dysfunction is not an unavoidable part of ageing, but if someone has diabetes, it is a matter of time before they begin to experience this problem. While most men may have moderate erectile dysfunction, a minority have a more severe form.
Diabetes is a chronic disease of having elevated sugar levels. These high levels cause tissue and nerve damage in the body apart from having adverse effects on many organs. Even the small blood vessels feel the brunt of high sugar levels.
An erection happens when the blood flow to the penis is increased. This is because of the release of nitric oxide in the blood when the man is sexually aroused. The brain and the local nerve impulses cause the penile muscles to relax so more blood can fill them up, causing an expansion in the penis and creating an erection.
Diabetes causes damage to the nerves and the blood vessels to the penis and thus affects erection. Also, high glucose levels reduce the amount of nitric oxide that gets released into the blood.
Several factors increase the risks of suffering from erectile dysfunction if you have diabetes. They are:
If the blood sugar levels keep fluctuating, the chances of nerve and blood vessel damage is more.
Those who suffer from anxiety have more problems of erectile dysfunction than others who are less stressed.
Men who suffer from depression have more sexual problems than others.
Our diet has a significant impact on our health. Those who have erectile dysfunction increase their problems when they eat a poor diet that lacks nutrients and fibre.
Diabetes is tough to manage, and those who smoke suffer earlier from erectile dysfunction. Read more on the health effects of smoking.
Those who cannot control their hypertension suffer earlier, almost half a decade earlier than those who have diabetes but don’t have hypertension. In short, hypertension is a contributing factor that enhances the chances of erectile dysfunction and diabetes.
Those who are obese suffer earlier from erectile dysfunction.
If you feel you are having problems, you should talk to your doctor about erectile dysfunction. Diagnosis is made with a physical examination to check for nerve problems in the testicles or the penis. A blood test may also be done. Either your doctor will prescribe the medicines, or he may refer you to someone specializing in sexual dysfunction. If you have diabetes but do not suffer from erectile dysfunction, you could talk to your doctor about the possibility of the issue in the future. Do inform your doctor of past allergies to medication, if any.
Treatment typically involves oral medication. These medicines increase the blood flow to the penis and the testicles. They do not react to diabetes medicines. There are other options like pumps and implants, but these are far less effective and with more complications than oral medication. Hormone and penile injection therapies are also employed in more difficult cases. However, always consult a doctor and never self-medicate.
Research has shown that adopting a good lifestyle helps in staving off erectile dysfunction. Just because one has diabetes doesn’t mean that it is the end of your sexual health. These lifestyle improvements help to deal with diabetes and lower the risk of having erectile dysfunction.
Having a stable blood sugar level will help you prevent organ damage and damage to the nerves and blood vessels. You can stabilize blood glucose levels through a healthy diet. It will help improve your energy levels and mental health.
Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the body and reduces the amount of nitric oxide produced in the blood. Quit the habit immediately to stop your erectile dysfunction from worsening. Read more about tips to quit smoking.
Even a small amount of weight loss will help you control your diabetes and, in turn, reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. You will feel lighter, experience better moods and erections.
Men with diabetes are 3x more likely to have trouble getting or keeping an erection. There can be several reasons for this, such as limited blood flow, nerve damage (neuropathy) and damaged blood vessels. It can also be down to medication or just how you’re feeling at the time.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Getting active will help you to reduce your sugar levels, improve blood circulation to various organs and feel increased energy levels. It will help you lose weight and feel better about yourself. Read more about the health benefits of exercise.
Stress hampers sexual arousal and may be the reason why you have erectile dysfunction. Many activities like meditation, yoga, exercising, listening to music and others help in reducing stress levels. Find your niche and engage in the activities that you enjoy. If you feel you are feeling anxious or depressed, consult your doctor. Read more different types of relaxation exercises that help fight stress.
Fatigue is another reason that causes erectile dysfunction. Ensure that you get your seven hours of sleep. Resting and sleeping sufficiently helps to manage diabetes and reduces blood sugar levels.
Regular consumption of alcohol leads to blood vessel damage and causes high sugar levels. Also, it has been proven that while liquor increases your craving for sex, it reduces the ability to have sexual arousal. Smoking also increases the desire for smoking, which causes more harm to the body.
If you are noticing problems in having an erection, talk to your doctor. It might seem like an awkward conversation, but not having it will create more complications. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes have no one treatment as one treatment do not fit all, so your doctor will chalk out a strategy that will take into account your diabetes, blood pressure, and other medications. Speak to a doctor before taking any medication, as certain medicines may have severe side effects. The only way to ward off erectile dysfunction is by staying healthy, stabilizing your blood sugar levels and quitting smoking.
Also Read: Male Yeast Infection: An In-depth Look at Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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