Constitution and diabetes
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Constitution and diabetes
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Hari Mohan Chandola, S. N. Tripathi, K. N. Udupa
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Constitution and diabetes
Year: 1988
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This study conducted by Hari Mohan Chandola, S. N. Tripathi, and K. N. Udupa focuses on maturity onset diabetes and examines the impact of body constitution on the disease's progression. In Ayurveda, body constitution is crucial for understanding various diseases, including diabetes mellitus, which is referred to as Premeha. The authors classify individuals into seven distinct body types based on the dominance of the three humors (Doshas): Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Vatapittaja, Pittakaphaja, Vatakaphaja, and Samdoshaja. Each constitution exhibits unique physical, psychological, and metabolic characteristics, which influence the severity and management of diabetes.
Variation in Disease Progression by Constitution
The study highlights that the progression of diabetes mellitus varies significantly with body constitution, especially regarding glucose intolerance and insulin levels. Patients with a Kaphaja (K) constitution tend to experience a slower progression of the disease and require less intensive management compared to those with Vataja (V) and Pittaja (P) constitutions, who show a more rapid decline in insulin function and increased hyperglycemia. This relationship is underscored by empirical data indicating that individuals with Vataja constitution exhibited the highest fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels, alongside the lowest insulin levels. Conversely, Kaphaja constitution patients demonstrated the opposite trend, suggesting that the Ayurvedic perspective on constitution has a substantiated basis in clinical observations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study affirms the Ayurvedic classification of body constitution as a significant factor in the progression and management of maturity onset diabetes. The findings reveal that individuals with Vataja constitution experience a more aggressive disease trajectory marked by elevated blood glucose and diminished insulin levels, while those with Kaphaja constitution maintain better metabolic health over time. Therefore, understanding a patient’s constitution could enhance therapeutic approaches and individualize management strategies for diabetes mellitus, reinforcing the relevance of Ayurvedic principles in contemporary medical practice.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of body constitution in diabetes progression?
In Ayurveda, body constitution significantly influences the progression of diabetes mellitus. Different constitutions (Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja) exhibit varying rates of disease progression, with Vataja individuals experiencing faster deterioration compared to Kaphaja individuals.
What types of body constitutions are identified in this study?
The study identifies seven body constitutions based on dosha ratios: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Vatapittaja, Pittakaphaja, Vatakaphaja, and Samdoshaja, with specific physical and psychological attributes associated with each type.
How were subjects' body constitutions determined in the study?
Subjects’ body constitutions were determined using a scoring system based on anthropometric, physiological, and psychosocial characteristics, as well as other biochemical parameters to objectively classify individuals according to Ayurveda.
What are the findings regarding blood sugar and insulin levels?
The findings show that fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels are highest in Vataja constitutions and lowest in Kaphaja. Insulin levels mirror this pattern, with Kaphaja individuals exhibiting the highest insulin levels.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Constitution and diabetes”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood plays a crucial role in diabetes management, serving as a medium for transporting glucose and insulin. Measurements of blood glucose levels are fundamental in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. The study examines fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels in relation to body constitution, emphasizing the relationship between blood glucose and health status.
2) Sugar:
Sugar, specifically glucose, is the primary energy source for the body's cells. In diabetes mellitus, the regulation of sugar is impaired, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. The study addresses the significance of controlling sugar levels through body constitution types, contributing to an understanding of metabolic processes.
3) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja refers to one of the three body constitutions in Ayurveda, characterized by stability and water-like qualities. Individuals with Kaphaja constitution tend to have well-regulated body weight and a slower progression of diabetes. This constitution's traits influence metabolic responses and play a vital role in disease management.
4) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja denotes another Ayurvedic constitution, associated with heat and metabolism. Individuals with Pittaja constitution often exhibit heightened metabolic rates and are more reactive. In the context of diabetes, this constitution may experience moderate disease progression, highlighting the importance of considering Pittaja traits in therapeutic approaches.
5) Vataja (Vātaja, Vata-ja):
Vataja represents the Ayurvedic body constitution characterized by qualities such as dryness and lightness. Individuals with Vataja constitution often have higher susceptibility to rapid disease progression in diabetes. Understanding Vataja traits is essential for devising effective management strategies and interventions for diabetic patients.
6) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic medical system that emphasizes the balance of body constitutions (Doshas) and natural elements. The study's foundation is rooted in Ayurvedic principles, exploring how body constitution influences diabetes progression. Incorporating Ayurveda into modern healthcare provides a unique perspective on managing chronic diseases.
7) Dosha (Dosa, Doṣa, Dosā, Doṣā, Ḍosā):
Dosha refers to the fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—each representing different aspects of physiology and temperament. The study uses Dosha concepts to classify individuals with diabetes, revealing how these humors affect disease progression and treatment approaches in Ayurvedic medicine.
8) Hand:
Hand may refer to the methodical approach to examining and treating diabetes within Ayurveda. It symbolizes the manual process of assessing constitution, conducting glucose tests, and interpreting results, all essential in understanding the relationship between body constitution and diabetes management.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic study and experimentation, crucial for validating Ayurvedic concepts through empirical research. The interplay between ancient Ayurvedic practices and modern scientific methods enhances our understanding of diabetes, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches in traditional medicine.
10) Post:
Post signifies the postprandial state, essential for evaluating blood sugar levels after food intake. Understanding postprandial glucose responses in various body constitutions supports tailored dietary recommendations, contributing to better diabetes management and improved long-term health outcomes.
11) Vatapitta (Vātapitta, Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta refers to a mixed body constitution combining elements of both Vata and Pitta. This distinction highlights how individuals with such a constitution may experience varied metabolic responses. Recognizing these nuances is vital in crafting individualized treatment plans for diabetes.
12) Discussion:
Discussion represents the analysis and interpretation of study results. This section critically examines the findings related to body constitution and diabetes, offering insights into the implications for treatment alternatives based on individual constitution types, thus enriching the overall understanding of the disease's management.
13) Knowledge:
Knowledge embodies the information and wisdom gained from both traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern research. This synthesis is fundamental for comprehensively understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of diabetes, promoting better healthcare strategies and fostering individual well-being.
14) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the practices and theories involved in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. This study integrates Ayurvedic medicine principles with modern scientific understanding, underscoring the significance of a holistic approach in addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes.
15) Vatika (vaṭikā, Vātīka, Vātika, Vaṭika, Vatikā, Vātikā):
Vatika refers to the Ayurvedic attributes associated with the Vata constitution. This concept aids in identifying specific characteristics of patients with Vataja diabetes, facilitating the understanding of how these traits influence disease progression and therapeutic outcomes.
16) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta highlights the specific qualities and characteristics associated with the Pitta constitution. Identifying patients as Pittaja can guide therapeutic interventions in diabetes management, taking into account their unique metabolic responses and tendencies rooted in Ayurvedic principles.
17) Kapha:
Kapha outlines characteristics relating to the Kapha constitution, including stability and potential for better disease management. This knowledge aids healthcare providers in creating tailored treatment plans based on an individual's Kapha traits, ultimately improving patient outcomes in diabetes.
18) Hari (Hāri, Hārin, Harī, Harin):
Hari, the name of one of the study's authors, signifies the collaboration and contributions of diverse researchers in exploring skin and body constitution's role in diabetes. Such collaborations further enrich the research landscape and advocate for integrative health approaches.
19) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
Vata indicates the key principles associated with the Vata Dosha within Ayurveda, representing qualities such as dryness and irregularity. Understanding Vata's characteristics is crucial for assessing its impact on diabetes progression, informing management strategies, and promoting overall patient well-being.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Constitution and diabetes’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Physiological characteristics, Body Constitution, Plasma insulin level, Duration of Illness, Ponderal index, Biochemical parameter, Glucose intolerance, Socioeconomic attributes, Body Surface Area.