Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:

• Type 1 DM results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes".
• Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". The primary cause is Lack of exercise, mental stress and strain, excessive sleep, overeating and consequent obesity, excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, Overloading of proteins and fats can also lead to diabetes. Hereditary factors also play role in causing diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes is the third main form which occurs during pregnancy but may resolve after the baby is delivered.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Presence of ketones in the urine
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections

Ayurvedic Perspective

In ayurveda diabetes is correlated as Prameha and the ayurvedic concept on the manifestation of the disease is essentially associated with mithyahara vihara-improper dietary habits and physical exertion. There are 20 types of prameha.

(vata-4,Pitta-6, Kapha-10 ) Any of the prameha (urinary disorder) if neglected ultimately it ends up in madhumeha due to nature of the illness. Madhumeha is which is categorized as Vataj Meha interpreted as diabetes mellitus.

Deterioration of the body is a characteristic that indicates impairment of Vata. Maximum deterioration of dhatus (body tissues) occurs in this type of disease and this is the reason why all vital organs are affected by Diabetes

Madhumeha is classified as a Maha Roga (Major Disease) because, if not treated in time, it can lead to several complications in the body, including eye problems, joint pains, impotency, kidney failure, sexual and urologic problems, and more. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and it cannot be merely treated by controlling sugar levels. The treatment recommended in Ayurveda is aimed at rejuvenating the body to not only balance sugar levels, but also ensuring that no further complication is caused.

Main Procedure

Ayurvedic treatments are equally effective for the insulin dependent and non insulin dependent. The aim of the treatment are:-

1. To control the blood sugar level
2. To enable the body for proper use of the sugar by stimulating the pancreas.

To prevent the possible complication of diabetes like diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy.

Expected Outcome

Good control of sugar is attained with in the course of treatment. To maintain the results patient should strictly follow the advices of the doctor regarding medicine, food and exercise.