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cause lactic acidosis, Sulfonylureas alters the functions of liver and liver damage may
occur with prolonged use of Thiazolinediones (Lebovitz HE, 2004).

1.2 AYURVEDA

Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is ancient health care system that originates

from India. Commonly practiced by Indians, now Ayurveda is recognized worldwide by
professional health practitioners. The word "Ayurveda" is a tatpurusha compound of the
word ayus meaning "life" or "life principle", and the word veda, which refers to a system
of "knowledge". Thus "Ayurveda" roughly translates as the "knowledge of life".
According to this perspective, Ayurveda is concerned with measures to protect "ayus",
which includes healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical,
mental, social and spiritual harmony. Not unlike modern medications which produce side
effects to the diabetic patients, ayurveda is derivative from nature itself which produces
no harm to its practitioners or consumers. (Lad D. Vasanth et al, 1999).

Ayurveda is divided into eight disciplines, which is, Kayachikitsa Tantra (internal
medicine), Shalya Tantra (surgery), Shalakya Tantra (ears, eyes, nose and throat),
Kaumarabhritya Tantra (pediatrics), Agada Tantra (toxicology), Vajikarana Tantra
(genetic organs purification), Rasayana Tantra (health and longevity), Bhuta Vidya
(spiritual wellbeing). The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health
exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humours or doshas
called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata is the air principle necessary to mobilize the function
of the nervous system. Pitta is the fire principle which uses bile to direct digestion and
hence metabolism into the venous system. Kapha is the water principle which relates to
mucous, lubrication and the carrier of nutrients into the arterial system (Lad D. Vasanth
et al, 1999).

Diabetes according to ayurveda is a kapha type of disorder caused due to

diminished functioning of agni which results to a tendency towards high blood sugar. In
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ayurveda, diabetes is treated in various steps, which starts with modification in diet,
eliminating sugar and simple carbohydrates, and emphasizing complex carbohydrates.
Protein and fat is limited or eliminated from daily diet (Lad D. Vasanth et al, 1999).

In ancient times, the Ayurvedic physicians used to diagnose the patient with
diabetes with their tied and dirty hairs and ants getting attracted to their urine. This was
because unavailability of diagnostic techniques, machines and methods. Contrast to this,
modern medicine applies latest technique, and latest and more advanced equipment to
diagnose diabetes. This produces more accurate results compared to traditional method.
Even though, modern medicine tends to cure diabetes more effectively than ayurvedic
medicine, people still visiting local ayurvedic centers for medication. Many scientific
studies critics the effectiveness of ayurvedic medicine. Many researchers suggest that,
traditional medicine needs more clinical studies before approved for medical application.
But still there is evidence that, diabetic patients able to lower their blood glucose level by
practicing ayurvedic medicine. Today with modern medical techniques, ayurvedic
medicine is now gaining popularity, not only among Indians, but also among patients
from other ethnic background (Dr. Siby, 2006).

1.3 OBJECTIVE

1.3.1 General objective:

The purpose of this research is to identify ayurvedic treatment for diabetes.

1.3.2 Specific objective:

i. To determine the medications used in treating diabetes.
ii. To identify demographic pattern of diabetic patients opting for ayurvedic
treatment.
iii. To determine the risk or complications faced by diabetic patient.