Friday, November 26, 2010

TREATMENT OF DIABETES WITH HOMEOPATHY AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION.


Can homeopathy treat diabetes effectively? Can I stop my allopathic oral medicines and insulin after starting homeopathy? This is a very common question that comes up before starting homeopathic treatment.

According to WHO, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Hyperglycemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

If the pancreas has stopped producing insulin, taking insulin is the solution. Running after herbal formulae, diabetic teas, homeopathic formulae, drinking bitter-gourd juice or amla juice will not help much. But if the body is producing insulin and the problem is insulin resistance, then we can achieve a lot of things by proper management.

The management of diabetes mellitus is not managing intake of sweets and sugar. It is the management of your entire lifestyle. Moderation is the key. Treatment of diabetes is in the following order – First diet, then exercise, lastly medicines. Sadly enough, we only want to take medicine to eat everything and keep the sugar levels under control. This might work in the beginning, but it is a recipe for disaster.

The management of diabetes is not only in keeping the sugar levels under check for a few months, but it is to keep your body in optimum functioning for years to come. We need to treat the insulin resistance. Just forcing your body to produce more insulin or giving it readymade is not the solution; it is an adjustment. If the person is not ready to alter his lifestyle then that may be the only option left, I agree to that too.  

Before we see what homeopathy can do let us see the overall options –

DIET: Cutting on processed foods, sugar, saturated fats, and deep-fried foods is a good way to start with. Eat regular small meals. Drink 2-3 liters of water everyday. One fruit a day is allowed if sugar is under good control. Fruits are any day better than cakes and chocolates. Avoid juices since there is no fiber to release the fructose slowly in the system. Vegetables must be consumed. With all this your wheatgrass, aloe vera, amla, bitter gourd, cinnamon, etc. can be included. They do help, no joke. Keep one thing in mind, they are not a treatment, but they are a very good support, really good! Nature knows better than man. Do not do dieting if you are diabetic.

EXERCISE: The importance cannot be stressed enough; it is that urgent and important. Walking, cycling, visit to the gym – do whatever you want, but just do it. Exercise is one of the best methods to improve insulin resistance. Motion is life, therefore move!

YOGA, MEDITATION, AFFIRMATIONS, POSITIVE THINKING: Do it to manage stress. Think positively, it helps and more important, “it works.” Stress is a killer. We need to live with it, but at least manage it.

MEDICINES:
Allopathy required in severe cases. It is required if you are not going to exercise or manage eating habits. It can be totally avoided if you are just on the border – glucose intolerance. It can be given in the beginning in mild cases.

HOMEOPATHY: Practicing homeopathy does not mean only giving homeopathic medicine; it means giving homeopathic medicine along with guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, would have liked it that way.

People want to take homeopathy like allopathy thinking that at least there are no side effects and then do whatever you want to do. “Take this medicine and eat anything” may sound good but is not possible. It does not work that way. Homeopathy will show good results along with diet and exercise. Homeopathy will cover mind and body parameters of the person. Better healing, better energy levels, other complaints in association with diabetes also covered under treatment. A proper case taking with understanding of lifestyle, diet and exercise pattern is needed before starting treatment. A proper followup is required. Being regular with your treatment like taking medicines as directed, following instructions, giving timely feedback is essential.

Allopathic intervention needed where necessary. By allopathic intervention, we do not mean spoil the case by trial and error for few months and then refer to allopathy. It means according to the condition of the patient, what is best suitable is adopted. If allopathy is already going on, homeopathic treatment can help in keeping the person on the minimum dose of allopathy and with good patient compliance even discontinuing the medicines – both allopathic as well as homeopathic. That is a gold standard, not achievable in all cases in today’s times.

Laboratory investigations are required to monitor progress. Apart from fasting and post-prandial readings, HBA1c report is needed to assess sugar control in past 2-3 months. Other investigations like lipid profile, renal profile, ECG, etc. are done as per case requirement. The lab data also reflects treatment success along with clinical correlation.

So, with homeopathy don’t expect some magic potion will be given to you and all will be well. You play an equally important role in controlling your diabetes along with your physician. Homeopathy is an excellent option for controlling diabetes, but it too is a form of treatment which needs proper case handling and followup.

Wishing all good health!!!

Cheers to life!!!