Homeopathy emphasises on the holistic management of diabetes. Its aim is focused to maintain ‘normal’ levels of insulin, or keep conventional anti-diabetic drugs, at the minimum possible dosage and in preventing progression or complications of the disease.
WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?
Family history. The risk of a child developing diabetes with a parental history increases above 50%. A high incidence of diabetes is seen among first- degree relatives.
Obesity. Being overweight is one of the leading causes of type-2 diabetes. Even within an acceptable body weight range, weight gain could increase the risk of diabetes. Excess body fat especially concentrated around the abdomen leads to increased risk of diabetes.
Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle. There is enough evidence to demonstrate that physical inactivity leads to the development of type-2 diabetes. The availability of motorised transport combined with a sedentary lifestyle has reduced physical activity in all populations leading to an increase in lifestyle disorders like diabetes.
Insulin resistance. It has been estimated that Asian Indians are more insulin-resistant as compared to westerners. A cluster of factors consisting of abnormal fats [dyslipidaemia], high blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal glucose levels known as metabolic syndrome, is highly prevalent in Asian Indians.
Urbanisation and stress. Developing countries like India are undergoing rapid urbanisation. Urbanisation is associated with increasing obesity, decreased physical activity due to changes in lifestyle, diet and a switch from manual work to less physically-intense occupations. The impact of stress, both physical and emotional, along with an unhealthy lifestyle has a strong cascading effect on people with a vulnerable genetic background. This has led to a jump in type-2 diabetes.
HOMEOPATHY & DIABETES
While there is no substitute to insulin in homeopathy, professional homeopathic treatment is keyed to manage the metabolic aspect of individuals having diabetes with both therapeutic and nutritional measures. This is achieved through appropriate homeopathic remedies, lifestyle changes, reducing stress, regular exercise and customised diet.
Homeopathy emphasises on the holistic management of diabetes rather than ‘cure.’ The aim is focused to maintain ‘normal’ levels of insulin, or keeping anti-diabetic drugs, at a minimum possible dosage, and in preventing progressive worsening and/or complications.
Homeopathic remedies correct the underlying problem— the trigger for diabetes, for example, emotional stress. From the ‘root.’ Not just its mere manifestation.
It also takes into account the fact that no two diabetic individuals present with identical problems. Each of us is unique.
Homeopathic remedies can be taken safely, along with your conventional or pharmaceutical medications, including insulin.
What’s more, some people eat right and exercise, but they cannot stabilise their blood sugar. Homeopathic treatment is effective in such cases too. The appropriate homeopathic remedy will help to balance blood sugar levels naturally, without side- effects.
SELF-HELP
- Eat healthy — high fibre food, fruits and vegetables, and foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar
- Exercise regularly, 20-30 minutes, 4-5 times a week
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid, or reduce alcohol
- Take care of your feet. Diabetics are prone to develop problems with their feet, including infections and foot ulcers. Wear shoes approved by a foot, ankle and lower leg medical specialist
- Keep your nails short and wash your feet with warm water every day
- Have regular eye tests — at least twice a year to check for retinopathy
Undergo the following tests every year —
- Cholesterol test
- Triglyceride test
- Complete foot examination
- Dental exam to check teeth and gums
- Eye exam to check for vision problems
- Urine and blood tests, including Hb1AC.
By Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri Recipient
LCEH, FSRH [MED] P [LOND], MDH [USA], FBIH [UK]