Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine that originated in India, is often referred to as the "science of life". Ayurveda has always emphasized to maintain the health and prevent the diseases by following proper diet and lifestyle regimen rather than treatment and cure of the diseases. The basic principle followed in the Ayurvedic system of medicine is Swasthyashya Swasthya Rakshanam, which means to maintain the health of the healthy. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balance in all aspects of existence, including physical activity.
In our fast-paced modern world, the sedentary lifestyle has become an increasingly prevalent concern, characterised by prolonged periods of physical inactivity and excessive sitting. According to Ayurvedic principles, a sedentary lifestyle disrupts the equilibrium of the body and mind, leading to the accumulation of toxins (ama) and the imbalance of bodily energies (doshas) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
The nuanced understanding of Ayurveda reveals a profound connection between sedentary behavior and adverse health outcomes, as due to Asyasukham Swapnasukham kledadhikya, agnimandya, and tridoshdushti occurs. Kledadhikya or an excess of moisture within the body, emerges as a critical consequence of a sedentary lifestyle. This excess dampness is linked to agnimandya, a weakened digestive fire, which directly contributes to the imbalance of the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and disrupts the body’s natural equilibrium.
Prameha arises from the vitiation of various doshas and dushyas particularly Kapha and Meda (fat tissue). According to Acharya Charaka Prameha has 20 subtypes one of which is madhumeha. Madhumeha is a disease in which subject passes large quantity of urine with Kashaya, Madhura rasa and ruksha quality similar to the characteristics of honey and thus body attains sweetness. Pippalika- abhisharan is the characteristic feature of Madhumeha. It is also explained that, when the other Prameha are left untreated, this led to the condition called Madhumeha. So Madhumeha can also be considered as an advanced condition or stage of Prameha.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines type 2 diabetes mellitus as a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
The early phase of Prameha (Pre-Diabetic condition) is considered manageable (sadhya). Highlighting the importance of early detection and lifestyle awareness in preventing severe diseases through nidanparivarjan.
The epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in India presents a daunting public health challenge, with current estimates indicating that 77 million adults are living with the condition (2019), and an additional 25 million are categorized as prediabetic. Forecasts suggest a surge to over 134 million affected individuals by 2045.
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 537 million people worldwide have diabetes as of 2021, with that number rising to 643 million in 2030 and 783 million in 2045.Type 2 diabetes, remains a significant contributor to global mortality, particularly due to its association with various complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
WHO issued a warning that a sedentary lifestyle may very well be one of the top 10 global causes of death and disability. Additionally, between 60 to 80 percent of people worldwide, in both developed and developing nations, lead sedentary lifestyles, making it one of the more severe yet under-addressed public health issues of our time.
Lifestyle modifications empower individuals to take an active role in managing their Diabetic condition, leading to better long-term outcomes and a higher quality of life.
Due to above mentioned points and to modify lifestyle timely for prevention of disease, I have chosen this topic as my research work.
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