In Ayurveda, Diabetes Mellitus is known as Madhumeha (Madhu means ‘honey’ and Meha means ‘urine’). Medhumeha is categorized as VatajMeha (a problem caused by aggravation of Vata or Air). Vata is an Ayurvedichumor symbolizing wind and dryness. Deterioration of the body is a characteristic that indicates impairment of Vata. Maximum deterioration of dhatus (body tissues) occurs in this type of disease and this is the reason why all vital organs are affected by Diabetes. The other prime cause of Diabetes Mellitus is impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to accumulation of specific digestive impurities which accumulate in the pancreatic cells and impair the production of insulin.

Ayurvedic medicine is conceptualised and practised as eight distinctive specialities, some of which have an application for the treatment of diabetes.Ayurveda diagnoses diabetes as being a metabolic disorder that fits into the Kapha category, due to poor functioning of the agni.Common Ayurvedic treatment concentrates on a multidisciplinary approach to diabetes.The first will be intense modification of the diet, in which sugar is eliminated and simple carbohydrates are replaced by complex carbohydrates.Panchkarma, a cleansing program, is typically employed and will probably include massages, herbal therapy, saunas and fasting. This will possibly be followed by a herbal purge and yoga and breathing exercises. Herbs and a strict diet make up the basis of the treatment.