HbA1c Level (%) – Result or Control of Blood Glucose Levels

HbA1c is a test that evaluates the long term concentration of glucose in the blood. Red blood cells (RBC) contain a small amount of glucose. When there is more quantity of glucose in the blood for a longer period of time, this causes the RBC glucose or HbA1c levels to increase. For instance, if a high sugar meal is consumed only once, it will not affect the HbA1c levels. However, if a patient continuously consumes a high sugar or unhealthy diet along with lack of exercise for up to 6 – 8 weeks, then the HbA1c levels rises. This test is helpful in understanding a patient’s control of their blood glucose levels as well as those who are likely to develop complications of diabetes.
5.6 – 7.0 – Good Control
7.1 – 8.0 – Fair Control diabetic. Greater chances of developing complications of Diabetes
> 8.0 – Poor Control Diabetic. Most likely already has a complication of diabetes.

Diabetes Complications

Long term effects of diabetes

• Disease of the heart and blood vessels
• Nerve damage ( Neuropathy)
• Kidney damage (Nephropathy)
• Eye damage (Retinopathy etc.)
• Foot damage
• Conditions of the skin and mouth
• Osteoporosis (weakness of the bones)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Hearing problems

Ayurveda Treatment for Diabetes

AyurVAID’s Management of Diabetes

1. Santarpanajanya prameha:

The patients of prameha who is strong should be administered shodhana chikitsa (purifactory therapy);

• Vamana – Therapeutic Emesis
• Virechana – Therapeutic Purgation
• Asthapana Vasti – Therapeutic Enema

2. Apatarpanajanya prameha:

While in the case of emaciated & weak patients, shamana chikitsa (palliative therapy) in the form of santarpana (rejuvenation/nourishing) should be administered.

Abundant of herbal & animal products including several metals, minerals incorporated with herbs have been described for the management of prameha in ancient literature. These includes in the form of Kwatha, Arishta / Asava, Churna, Gulika, Rasayana

The method of management, as a composite scheme of

• Diet control
• Exercise
• Yoga asana
• Purifactory techniques &
• Medications have all been claimed to be curative value in the literature.

Diabetes Mellitus can not be cured, but it can be successfully managed with proper diet, physical activities and medication if needed. Some may claim that they can cure diabetes through a variety of methods, however once a patient is diagnosed as diabetic; they will always have to monitor their blood glucose levels. Many patients have a very healthy and long life with well controlled diabetes.

Health Outcomes for Diabetes Patients

• Reduction in blood & urine sugar level
• No frequent urination, excessive thirst and excessive hunger
• Observable relief from burning sensation to palm & sole and general tiredness
• Avoidance of risk factors that includes Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Nephropathy and Diabetic Neuropathy
• Enhancement in overall well being & quality of life