Rahul Bansal.
Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine,Subharti Medical College, Meerut.
meusims2008@gmail.com

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Abstract

The international Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of Diabetic patients in India have more than doubled from 19 million in 1995 to 40.9 million in 2007. Current estimates are that 11% of Indian urban and 3% of rural population above the age of 15 have diabetes.
The lifestyle changes fueled by Globalisation and Westernization of Indian culture along with the increasing stress levels are responsible for this unprecedented rise in diabetes.The type2 diabetes is amenable to control provided the patient is given proper health education regarding diet, exercise, relaxation, yogaasanas and pranayama techniques. Diets with low Glycemic Index eg.millets, soyabean , rajma, bengal gram, etc. should be preferred over the diets with high Glycemic Index eg. Bread, white rice, idli, banana, etc.Vegetarian food with high fibre content and low G.I. is preferred over non-vegetarian diet.
The newer concept is that not only the G.I i.e.Glycemic index but G.L i.e.Glycemic Load should be considered while giving dietary recommendations.Use of alcohol should be best avoided by diabetics.There are reports that smoking excerbarates diabetes by reducing the production of insulin.Yoga and pranayama have also been useful in controlling diabetes. According to Ayurveda, Diabetes type 2 is a kapha disorder, therefore kapha pacifying excercises like Kapalbhati, bhastrika and kapha pacifying herbs like neem (azadiracta indica), gudmaar (Gemina selvister), jamun (Siezioum cumini) are of value in controlling diabetes.
Recent research has proved that half a teaspoon of cinnamom a day significantly reduces the blood sugar level in diabetes. Similarly research at NIN Hyderabad has proved that 25-30 grams of fenugreek seeds -reduce the blood sugar and improves glucose tolerance in diabetics.The Mind body connection in diabetes has been firmly established, therefore the role of relaxation techniques like shavasanas and proper sleep should be emphasized.