Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a disease of malfunction of the Pancreas (part of digestive system), located behind the stomach. It produces Insulin, which is important to metabolize sugar and starch from diet. When the Pancreas is unable to make Insulin, produces less quantity, or produces low quality insulin that doesn't work properly, blood sugar level increases - this condition is called Hyperglycaemia or Diabetes.

Research has established the following risk factors: family history of diabetes, chemicals (indirect use of fertilizers, steroids), sedentary lifestyle without sun exposure, faulty dietary habits (high calorie diet, fast food, junk foods, carbonated drinks), being overweight, regular severe stress, certain racial backgrounds, and pregnancy which puts extra stress due to hormone changes.

There are mainly three types: Type 1 - Pancreas produces very little or no Insulin, occurs mostly under age 16. Type 2 - Pancreas produces Insulin but the quality and quantity don't work properly, occurs most often above age 40. Type 3 (Gestational) - develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after childbirth, more common in those with strong family history of diabetes.

Two types: Non-Pharmacological (diet, exercise, education) - usually for pre-diabetics and newly diagnosed type-2 patients. Pharmacological - medication including diet, exercise and education. For Type 1: different types of Insulin shots. For Type 2: oral medicines, with possible Insulin addition if oral agents fail.

A blood or urine test can tell you. Normal values: Fasting Blood Sugar: 70-100 mg% (HbA1c > 5.7% indicates diabetes), Post Meal Blood Sugar: 100-120 mg% (HbA1c > 6.2% indicates diabetes), Random Blood Sugar: 120-140 mg% (HbA1c > 7.0% indicates diabetes).

No, it is a non-curable disease that can only be treated and controlled by regular medication, lifestyle and dietary modification. Best control of blood sugar level is the best solution till date. However, we should be hopeful - decades ago, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and Polio were incurable but are now curable, and researchers are working day and night.

Early symptoms (blood sugar below 60 mg%): sudden weakness, mild to moderate dizziness, hunger, fine tremors, shakiness, sweating, pounding heart, pale and dry skin, anxiety. Late symptoms if ignored: confusion, headache, poor coordination, bad dreams, inability to concentrate, numbness in mouth and tongue.

Age 45+, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, family history, certain ethnic backgrounds, history of gestational diabetes, abnormal birth weight, high blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg), high cholesterol/triglycerides, rich diet more than 3 days/week, HbA1c 5.7-6.4%, PCOS/PCOD, acanthosis nigricans, cardiovascular disease history.

All medicines are good depending upon the type and severity of Diabetes, but selection is important. The best medicines are those that successfully reduce symptoms gradually with least possible side effects and don't precipitate other diseases. Different types of Insulin for Type-1 and Type-3, and oral medication for Type-2.

Based on clinical findings since 1992: Karela (Momordica charantia) shows hypoglycaemic effect only in obese type-2 patients but may raise blood pressure. Methi seeds delay glucose absorption but prolonged use may cause nephro toxicity. Paneer Doda (Withania Coagulans) helps some underweight type-2 diabetics but prolonged use may cause dental problems. Don't take any herb without consulting an Ayurvedist.

Yes, but carefully: In Type-1, Ayurvedic preparations can be given alongside Insulin to maintain vitality and retard complications. In Type-2, herbal preparations play an important role for blood sugar control and delaying drug resistance. In GDM (Type-3), customised herbal or herbo-mineral combinations are useful for complication-free delivery. Always under supervision of an Ayurvedist and Diabetologist.

No, in our pilot study no antagonistic effect (reduced efficacy of modern drugs) was seen. Synergistic effect (enhanced efficacy of modern drugs) was seen in maximum type-2 patients with combination therapy.

In Type-1: should not try to stop - it can be life threatening. In Type-2 obese patients who switched to insulin after OHGA failure: can be reversed to oral medications under personalised Ayurvedic treatment. In average weight type-2 insulin-resistant patients: can also be reversed to oral medicines with Ayurvedic preparations.

SDC has been working exclusively on diabetes since 1989. We treat patients who failed to control blood sugar despite sincere efforts, those suffering from weakness despite controlled sugar, provide personalised diet and lifestyle suggestions, customised formulations for type-1 patients, and supportive Ayurvedic management for GDM.