Experience of an Ayurvedic Medical Officer41 of Municipal Corporation of Delhi on the adjuvant use of Ayurvedic drugs in the treatment of Madhumeha (Diabetes mellitus) Ayurveda classifies two kinds of diabetic patients: Lean & thin Diabetic Patients: Such patients are usually suffering from Type I Diabetes and are on Insulin. Even after taking more than 40 units of Insulin the blood sugar is not controlled. In such patients, immunomodulator drugs and drugs which promote secretion of insulin are used. For example Ashvagandha, Fenugreek, Gudmar and classical gold preparations Basant Kusumakara Rasa are beneficial for such patients. However, the drugs need to be withdrawn for a few days after being administered for 15 days. The patient is administered both allopathic and Ayurveda drugs for at least one month and the blood sugar (Both Fasting and Post-prandial) is monitored every week. The patient has to follow a strict dietary and life style regimen as advised by the Ayurvedic physician according to his constitution. The blood sugar level improves within a month and gradually the dosage of allopathic medicines can be tapered off. Within a period of three months, minimum/ or no Allopathic drugs need to be given. Patent Ayurvedic Hypoglycemics e.g. Hyponidd/ Amree Plus/ Madhusar are generally prescribed. Strong and Overweight Diabetic patients: Patients generally belong to the Type II Diabetes NIDDM category. Such patients
are usually on 2-3 hypoglycemic drugs and encounter side effects of hypoglycemics, most common being stomach upsets. Such patients are administered patent Ayurvedic hypoglycemics along with allopathic drugs initially for a period of one month. Chandraprabha Vati, a classical medicine for genito-urinary problems has a good effect on the majority of hypoglycemic patients. Blood Sugar (Both Fasting and Post-prandial) is examined every week. Carminative and digestive Ayurvedic preparations like Lasunadi Vati etc. are prescribed along with such drugs. After one month, the blood sugar generally tends to improve or becomes stable. One of the allopathic hypoglycemics is then withdrawn. For the next month again the same protocol is followed and generally within three months all the Allopathic hypoglycemics can be withdrawn and the patient can lead a near normal life with natural Ayurvedic drugs. However, for the next three months, the blood sugar level is closely monitored to check any further need for allopathic hypoglycemics. Adjuvants for combating side effects of allopathic drugs: Of all the side effects of allopathic hypoglycemic drugs, the most troublesome is that of stomach upsets. For this the patient is given carminative and digestive preparations e.g. Lasunadi Vati, Praval Panchamrita Rasa, Bilva Churna, Hingwashtaka Churna. But again such drugs have to be selected by an expert according to the constitution of the patient. Ayurvedic drugs if used by qualified professionals can definitely help Diabetics to lead a normal Life.
41. Dr. Mamta Ralhan, Senior Medical Officer, North Delhi Municipal Corporation.
28  Status of Indian Medicine and Folk Healing