In this article, we will know everything there is to know about the meaning, history, causes, symptoms and ayurvedic methods of treating Madhumeha or Diabetes mellitus.

What is the meaning of Madhumeha?

Etiology – Madhu: sweet or honey; Meha: urine. Indicating one of the chief symptoms of diabetes which is sweet or honey-like urine.

Let us look at the definitions of Madhumeha as given by the laureates of Ayurveda.

By Charaka in Charaka Samhita- “The victims of this disease will produce copious urine, very frequently which is very sweet in taste such that ants get attracted to it.” 

By Sushruta in Sushruta Samhita (300 B.C)- Sushruta focused on the Vatik type of the disease, that it is incurable, and has been more common in males than in females. He also emphasised on the various complications of Madhumeha due to his background as a surgeon.

By Vagbhatta- Walking in the footsteps of Charaka, Vagbhatta noticed that Madhumeha or Vataja Prameha is not only due to the sweetness of urine but that ultimately, all the secretions of the body become sweetened.  

The History of Madhumeha

The origin of diabetes took place in the first century B.C. by a Greek physician Aretus who called it “diabenin” with reference to the profuse urination associated with the disease. 

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It was renamed as “diabetes” in 1425 and in 1625 the suffix mellitus (Greek) was added to it referring to the sweet or honey like urine that was observed in the patients suffering with the disease.

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Thus a metabolic disorder where the patient suffered from excess urination and hyperglycemia which came about to be known as Madhumeha. 

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Madhumeha was characterised by reduced insulin production or by insulin resistance. 

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It is one of the 20 types of Prameha or diseases of the urinary system that has been classified and mentioned in various literatures of Ayurveda like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Sangraha, Kashyap Samhita, Madhav Nidan, Bhela Samhita, Sarangadhar Samhita, Harita Samhita, Bhava Parkasa etc.

The classification of Madhumeha or Diabetes mellitus:

Madhumeha is mainly classified into Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. The lesser known types include Gestational diabetes occurring in pregnancy, Prediabetes where the person is at a very high risk of diabetes and Secondary diabetes which arises due to endocrinological disorders. 

Let us look at the classification of the two predominant types of Madhumeha or Diabetes mellitus(DM)

Feature	Type 1 Diabetes mellitus	Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
Common name	Insulin dependent DM	Non-insulin independent DM
Seen in %population	10%	90%
Common age group affected	Less than 30 years of age	More than 30 years of age
Obesity observed	No	Common
Cause	Autoimmune	Lifestyle
Reversal	Not known	Possible

Causes of Madhumeha-

1. Beta cell destruction
2. Insulin deficiency
3. Insulin resistance
4. Glucose intolerance
5. Autoimmune disorders
6. Pancreatic diseases
7. Drugs
8. Infections in the vital organs
9. Stress

You’re at a risk if-

1. It runs in the family
2. Obesity
3. Are more than 45 years of age
4. Suffer with hypertension or Blood pressure
5. Suffer with HDL cholesterol
6. Lead an inactive lifestyle

Symptoms of Madhumeha or Diabetes mellitus-

1. Frequent urination (Polyuria)
2. Sharp hunger (Polyphagia)
3. Excess thirst (Polydipsia)
4. Fatigue
5. Losing weight
6. Delayed wound healing
7. Visual impairment
8. Inflammatory disorders

Confirmed through tests like-

1. Estimation of plasma glucose level

• Random blood sugar (RBS)
• Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
• Post prandial blood sugar (PPBS)

2. Urine routine and microscopy
3. Glycosylated Haemoglobin or Hba1c test
4. Lipid profile
5. Blood urea and serum creatinine
6. E.C.G

Apart from this as mentioned by Sushruta, various complications of Madhumeha include-

1. Neuropathy or burning sensation
2. Ulcers
3. Debilitation
4. Retinopathy
5. Nephropathy
6. Heart diseases

Now that we have understood all the aspects of Madhumeha, let us know the various methods of managing and preventing Madhumeha through Ayurveda:

Ayurvedic practices to treat Madhumeha include-

1. Use of preparations from triphala and methi (fenugreek)
2. Regular exercise
3. Consuming Rasayana medicines
4. Reducing the consumption of fried, sugary foods
5. Avoiding dairy products

As compared to the treatment methods of allopathy or modern-age healing practices, Ayurveda is not only holistic but also sustainable since it mainly focuses on eliminating the roga or disease from its root and by restoring the balance in the  primary energies (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) of the body.