In this article, we will learn about how our understanding of Diabetes mellitus has evolved over time, influencing and leading to where we are right now.
How has the understanding of Diabetes changed over the years?
Diabetes was first mentioned in 1550 BC in the scriptures of ancient Egypt called “Ebers Papyrus” which described diabetes in the lines of polyuria or frequent and plentiful urine.
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The second mention of diabetes is believed to be in Ayurveda in the 5-6th century BC. Charaka and Sushruta, who are notable contributors to Ayurveda, went on to define diabetes as a characteristic illness of polyuria (passing frequent and large quantities of urine) and glycosuria(the presence of glucose or sugar in the urine).
Ayurveda was not only the first science to talk about the link between glucose and diabetes but to also classify Diabetes mellitus into type 1 and type 2 diabetes which stands as a widely accepted classification to date.
Ayurveda did not just describe the symptoms and classification of the disease but also offered remedies through diet for the first time in the history of diabetes.
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The third contribution is by the ancient Chinese to Diabetes. It is the most comprehensive and detailed mention of Diabetes mellitus which focuses on the aspects of diagnosis, development, treatment, and also on prevention of diabetes.
Some of the significant mentions of Diabetes in ancient Chinese literature include-
475 BC – 8 AD: The yellow emperor’s classic of internal medicine
9-280 AD: The treatise on cold damage and miscellaneous diseases
265-1368: Extensive development of ‘wasting thirst’
1368-1949: Integration of Chinese and western medicine
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Then came to the take of the Greek and Roman writers on Diabetes who mainly focused on the representation of Diabetes in terms of polyuria.
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The next primal mention of diabetes made for its history is by the medieval Islamic World which condensed the information and knowledge from ancient Greece, Rome, Persia, China, and Ayurveda.
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Before diabetes came into a modern understanding, the contributions of modern Europe laid the foundation for it.
The significant takeaway from the studies by the physicians and professors of modern Europe characterized Diabetes mainly as a disease associated with the presence of glucose in the urine (glycosuria) or “the saccharine state of urine” as the main symptom over diuresis or polyuria.
From what is read as the history of Diabetes, it is clear that most of the studies back then about Diabetes were oscillating between glycosuria and polyuria.
Now that we have had a closer look at Diabetes as a disease, let us remind ourselves of how Diabetes is perceived in the modern world and how our understanding has evolved and diversified considering the physical, psychological and physiological aspects of the illness.
Diabetes as we know it-
Diabetes is an illness where the body loses its ability to regulate blood glucose levels on its own.
What causes Diabetes?
Diabetes is known to be caused due to a variety of factors, with auto-immune or genetic causes (type 1) and lifestyle (type 2) being the predominant causes of Diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Frequent thirst
- Glucose in the urine
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Sudden weight loss
Treatment:
- Insulin administration
- Lifestyle amelioration
- Stress management
Over the years, along with the number of people falling prey to diabetes, the need for information on diabetes has increased manifold with the growing advancement in research. However, the fundamental findings from history remain true and form the basis for the research and findings on the disease, aiding in devising accurate and effective treatments. The treatment methods have diversified based on various factors like modern lifestyle problems and existing diseases that are taken into consideration to formulate medications. Consult a diabetes specialist today, to know which treatment for diabetes is the best for you.
