Diabetes prevalence in India and its management through Indian system of medicines

Abstract

Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases in which either the person has inadequate insulin production or body is not properly responding to insulin, or both. This results in high blood sugar levels. Over-weight people have a much higher risk of developing diabetes compared with those having a healthy body weight. Being over-weight can destabilize metabolic systems. The diabetes capital of the world with as many as 50 million people suffering from diabetes (type 2), India has a challenge to face. India has been witnessing an alarming rise in the incidence of diabetes. According to WHO, 80% of diabetes deaths are occurring in low and middle income countries. This disease is triggered by persistent hyperglycemia which should not be underestimated, because the progress of the disease may lead to foot ulcers, followed by gangrene that may require amputation. In Unani system of medicine, various formulations have been proven to be useful in this condition but its efficacy has not been evaluated so far, on scientific parameters, particularly for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this comprehensive review, focus is laid on various such drugs.