Management of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with peripheral neuropathy through Virechana karma

Abstract

Majority of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) cases are unable to keep plasma glucose levels under control despite adequate medications and follow-up. They are being managed with insulin in contemporary medicine. The WHO estimates that diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016. Ayurveda literature has emphasized in this regard to cure Madhumeha (~diabetes mellitus) or control blood sugar levels with Panchakarma (~five internal bio-cleansing therapies) treatment. A 64-year-old male suffering from type-2 DM with chief complaints of excessive urination, thirst, pain in both legs, numbness in bilateral feet, and whole-body weakness was presented in the outpatient department of Panchakarma. He was diagnosed as a case of Madhumeha associated with peripheral neuropathy on the basis of clinical presentation and laboratory investigations. He was on allopathic medicines for 10 years. However, the symptoms worsened with time. Management was started, from Deepana (~enhancing metabolic fire) and Pachana (~enhancing digestion) followed by Snehapana (~internal oleation), Sarvanga abhyanga (~external oleation), Vashpa swedana (~whole body steam), Virechana karma, and Samsarjana krama (~special dietetic regimen). The current management showed significant results in reducing blood glucose, levels of hemoglobin A1c, visual analog scale score.