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Diabetes and Homoeopathy |
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Introduction There are approximately 180 million people, on planet earth, who are affected by diabetes. This number is expected to double by 2030 according to the World Health Organisation. WHO opines that almost 2.9 million deaths per year are attributed to diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that is characterised by the presence of excessive amounts of sugar in the bloodstream (hyperglycaemia). A hormone called Insulin controls the level of blood sugar in the blood stream. An increased level of sugar is seen in the blood when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, or if the body is unable to utilise the insulin that is produced in the body. A high blood sugar level can lead to significant damage to the nerves, affect vision and other organs in the body.Types of Diabetes There are various types of diabetes:  Type 1 diabetes was earlier more commonly referred to as insulin-dependent (IDDM) or juvenile diabetes. In the 5-10% patients who suffer from this type of diabetes there is a deficit of insulin produced from the gland called pancreas, in the body. Such patients require insulin injected into the blood stream; this type of diabetes can cause unexpected grave complications. Type 2 diabetes formerly referred to as non-insulin-dependent, NIDDM, or Late onset type develops when a person's body is unable to make use of the insulin produced inside the body. Almost 90% of all diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes was formerly seen mostly among adult population. But, off late, this is seen increasingly among obese children. Gestational diabetes is quite similar to NIDDM is which is seen only during pregnancy and is diagnosed during antenatal check-ups.Typical Symptoms Extreme thirst; Frequent urination; Exhaustion or tiredness; Blurred vision Numbness of extremities Wounds that don't heal easily Ravenous appetite Loss of weightConventional Treatment Healthy food habits, regular physical exercise, and daily insulin injections are the basic essential aspects of treatment of Type 1 diabetes. The insulin injections are to be adjusted with food input and routine activities. It's imperative to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. A suitable diabetic diet coupled with regular physical activity is advised for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Blood glucose level is then controlled with oral medications or insulin therapy or a combination of both. Experts around the globe are focussed on three facets of outcome for a person diagnosed with diabetes:- Prevention Cure Improvement of care and quality of lifeAlthough implementing each of these approaches is laden with challenges every effort to bring it into action is being undertaken in the developed countries. Complications Complications ensuing diabetes are as follows:- Heart disease and stroke Raised blood pressure Loss of vision Kidney disorders Nerve disorders Tooth decay and other dental complications Birth defects Gangrene resulting in amputationsThe Diabetic Food Pyramid
The diabetic food pyramid foods and portions of helpings are grouped on the basis of the content of carbohydrate and protein in the food rather than their classification as a food type. Homoeopathic Concept Homoeopathy is a therapeutic method that attempts to treat disease based upon the universal Law of Similars that says let likes be cured by likes. Homoeopathy perceives a patient as an INDIVIDUAL without focusing on the disease per se. Hahnemann pointed out centuries ago that a state of well being is achieved when the indwelling life force can function harmoniously within the human body. Illnesses are attributed to be an external manifestation of a weakened vital force. When Hahnemann was perturbed by the failure of homeopathic medicines to produce permanent cures for certain chronic diseases, he introduced the miasmatic theory in 1826.He postulated that all disease symptoms are a result of three distinct underlying miasms or root causes, namely psora, syphilis and sycosis. Homoeopathic practitioners believe that diabetes mellitus chiefly bears a psoric miasmatic background with a sycotic tint. This combination is also referred to as a tubercular miasm. Therefore homoeopathic remedies suitable to treat illness with a tubercular miasm are considered most suitable to treat diabetes. Homoeopathic Remedies Homoeopathy attempts to treat NIDDM or Type 2 diabetes taking the totality of symptoms and the constitution of the person suffering from diabetes. Some of the most commonly used homoeopathic remedies in clinical practice are Acetic Acid: Emaciation and weakness is marked in patients needing this remedy. Severe burning thirst and copious pale urination is marked in this patient. Patient is sensitive to cold. Argentum Metallicum: there is gradual emaciation in the patient; Urine is profuse and turbid in appearance with a sweet odor. Swelling of ankles is seen. Arsenicum Album: Severe marked exhaustion, restlessness, aggravations at night are keynote features of individuals who need this remedy. Urine is albuminous and scanty. Unquenchable thirst is seen. Cephalandra Indica (Tincture) - in diabetics who have severe thirst for large quantities of water and have dry skin with severe itching and boils. Insulin 3X, 6X - in the treatment of diabetes and also for curing carbuncles with itching skin disorders. Urine sugar is controlled with this remedy. (Dr.W.F.Baker) Natrum Phosphoricum 6X - excellent remedy for conditions resulting from excess of sugar in the body. Phosphoricum Acidum - Debility is the keynote of this remedy. Frequent, copious watery milky urine. Before urination the patients feels unusually anxious. Frequency of urination is more at night. Phosphorus - Sudden prostration, outburst of sweating episodes, small wounds bleed easily. Numbness of extremities. Not to be given frequently. Its a deep acting remedy. Syzygium Jambolanum - Boericke opines that there is no other remedy in the homoeopathic repertoire that can diminish sugar in the urine as effectively as this remedy. Urine is copious with high specific gravity. This remedy also cures diabetic ulcers that do not heal by normal course. Uranium Nitricum - Marked emaciation with a tendency to develop ascitis and general dropsy is the guiding factors to choose this remedy. FAQs 1. Are there any side-effects? Homeopathic medicines are harmless, non-toxic, free from any side effect whatsoever. It is absolutely safe for children, pregnant women, and for all people when prescribed by a trained and experienced homoeopath. 2. Should blood sugar be checked regularly? Yes, it is advisable to have blood sugar levels monitored at regular intervals as it ensures that the illness is checked and also gives a clear perspective of the result of treatment. 3. How effective are these medicines? Homoeopathic medicines used along with strict diet and regimen can control blood sugar levels to desirable levels. 4. Are there any patients for whom it is not safe to give homoeopathic medicines for diabetes? Homoeopathic remedies when prescribed according to the principles, is absolutely safe for all individuals. Persons suffering from Diabetes for long term and insulin dependant diabetes are cautioned not to discontinue their medications and injections abruptly. 5. Are there any lifestyle changes recommended? Healthy diet with plenty of fibre Regular exercise Minimal intake of alcohol Avoid smoking References 1. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory by W. Boericke M.D
2. Homoeopathy the Complete Handbook by Dr KPS Dhama and Dr (Mrs) Suman Dhama 3. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica by James Tyler Kent Compiled by: Dr. Monisha Thomas, B.H.M.S Reviewed by: Dr. Sunil Shroff |
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