An ayurvedic protocol to treat type 2 diabetes

Here’s a study that looked at the feasibility and clinical impact of prescribing several ayurvedic treatments in 60 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

At the time of diagnosis the glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) values ranged between 6.0 and 8.0. An A1c of 6% corresponds to an average blood sugar of 135 mg/dL (7.5 mmol/L).

Ayurvedic treatment included exercise, an ayurvedic diet, meditation instruction, and an ayurvedic herb supplement (MA 471). By comparison, the other patients attended standard diabetes education classes with primary care clinician follow-up.

There were no significant differences between groups by 6 months. No significant adverse events occurred.

However, Ayurvedic treatment was associated with significant improvements in A1c, fasting blood sugar levels, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and weight.

The bottom line?

Ayurvedic medicine as practiced in this study resulted in positive effects. However, it was not better than a very conservative approach to diabetes care.

Those who follow ayurvedic can be assured that this study supports its usefulness in the early treatment of diabetes. But if you don’t, these results will probably not motivate you to consider ayurvedic treatment.

12/27/06 19:01 JR