Integrated Ayurvedic Dietary and Yogic Protocol in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i11.2304Keywords:
Case Series, Diet Therapy, Glycated Hemoglobin, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, YogaAbstract
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), chronic metabolic disorder which is associated with insulin resistance and glucose underutilization. Conventional management approaches provide symptomatic relief albeit short-lived, failing to address core metabolic imbalance. Ayurveda identifies correction of Agni (digestive and metabolic) and dosha balance with regimen-based approach (Ahara-Vihara) individualized to person as a key strategy. This case-series provides details outcome of integrated dietary and yogic protocol in patients with poorly controlled T2DM. Methods: Five patients of uncontrolled T2DM were provided with personalized Ayurveda based dietary regimen along with therapeutic yogamodules for period of 24-weeks. Diet was Prakriti-based and customised to food availability and patients glycemic status to include low-glycemic foods, nutritional millets, culinary herbs, herbal drinks and therapeutic time restricted eating. Yoga-based therapeutic lifestyle involved practice of 60-minutes guided training modules involving asana-pranayamaand relaxation techniques. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1C), Insulin levels, Homa-IR, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) and waist circumference were recorded. Results: Improvement was reported across multiple clinical, biochemical and metabolic domains related to glycemic control which includes HbA1c, FBS, PPBS, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, weight, BMI and waist circumference among 5-participants over a period of 24 weeks. 2 patients able to discontinue insulin, 1 patient achieved drug free diabetes control while 1 female patient with a history of repeated spontaneous abortions conceived and delivered healthy full-term baby. Patients also experienced weight reduction, improved digestion, appetite and sleep as well as improved physical and mental stability. Conclusion: Incorporating Ayurvedic dietary principles with practice of yoga showed marked improvement of glycemic status and insulin sensitivity in patients of T2DM. This holistic non-pharmacologic approach provides safe, effective, sustainable and individualized treatment strategy consistent with Ayurvedic principles of metabolic correction. Large scale clinical trials needed to validate findings of study.
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