PREVENTION OF DIABETES: A HOLISTIC APPROACH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AHARA AND VIHARA

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is the most common disease which is prevalent in every part of the world and a major public challenge of 21 st century . The estimation by the International Diabetes Federation ( IDF ) show s that 387 million adults ( 20 to 79 years ) are affected by the disorder in 2014 . The epidemiological trends indicate that without proper control and prevention its prevalence will increase further to 438 millio n in 2030 . The largest numbers are in the Indian subcontinent and China . Diabetes one among 10 lifestyle disorder hence proper Ahara, Vihara is essential in order to prevent the Diabetes . In Ayurvedic classics food is mentioned as one among the tree Upas thamba ( Pillar ) which supports the bo dy . So proper consumption of the food by following proper pathya and apathya is beneficial in preventing the disease like Diabetes . Along with this improper Ahara improper Vihara ( lack of physical activity ) also play a major role in the occurrence of Diabetes . The current levels of physical inactivity are partly due to insufficient participation in physical activity during leisure time and an increase in sedentary behaviour during occupational and domestic activities leading to metabolic and lifestyle disease like Diabetes . So it is of utmost importance to stress on lifestyle modification . Present paper highlights on role of Ayurvedic dietetics and life style modification in Diabetes .