THE COMPLICATIONS OF MADHUMEHA AS PER AYURVEDA WITH MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF DIABETES COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus, known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda, has been recognized since ancient times as a chronic metabolic disorder involving derangement of Kapha dosha, Medo dhatu, and Ojas. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Madhumeha as a disease of Mutravaha srotas characterized by excessive and sweet urination, emaciation, and progressive systemic deterioration. These ancient descriptions parallel the modern understanding of diabetes and its complications involving multiple organ systems.

To explore the concept of Madhumeha and its complications as mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts and to establish a comprehensive understanding of their relevance in light of modern diabetic complications.An in-depth review of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Madhava Nidana, and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu was conducted, focusing on the description of Madhumeha, its pathogenesis (Samprapti), and its complications (Upadrava). These were then correlated with modern physiological and pathological aspects of Diabetes Mellitus.

Ayurveda provides an extensive understanding of Madhumeha not only as a metabolic disease but also as a systemic disorder that affects multiple dhatus and srotas, paralleling modern diabetic complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases.