Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to decreased insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Prevalence of diabetes is about 3% and about 95% patients have type II diabetes. They present with polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), or unexplanied fatigue and weight loss. Uncontrolled diabetes is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and retinal damage.
There is no cure for diabetes, but lifestyle modifications, healthy eating habits, weight control, exercise, control of high blood pressure and cholesterol, and control of high blood sugar decreases morbidity and mortality.
Diabetes is called “madhumeh” in ayurveda and its pathhysiology and treatment is described extensively. A healthy lifestyle (which balances a persons individual constitution) specific yoga and pranayama exercises, and herbal supplements are recommended for diabetes. Herbs like Trigonella foenum, Gymnea sylvestri, Syzygium cumini, and Momordica carantia help in reducing blood sugar. Other herbs are used for balancing individual constitution, decreasing ama, and stimulating the digestive fire.