ROLE OF AYURVEDA DIETETICS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MADHUMEHA (DIABETES MELLITUS): A REVIEW

Madhumeha is disease known to the mankind as ‘honey urine, sweet urine’ since ancient times and maximum number of srotas (channels) are included in the manifestation of disease which is nearest clinical entity for diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus is a major non communicable disease with increasing prevalence at global level. Diabetes Mellitus is characterized mainly by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. Food habits are the major cause of Diabetes Mellitus and emerged as an public health problem globally. Ayurveda has given prime importance for the protection of health of healthy individual which is possible by preventing disease by promoting health. Ayurveda has laid down all preventive principle under Swasthyarakshana in which pathya literally means a way or channel it also said that beneficial for patient which fasten the process of recovery from the diseased state. Ayurveda mention pathya as treatment. Hence ayurvedic dietetics (Pathyahara) is a fundamental intervention strategy for Diabetes Mellitus.