Shilajit for Diabetes: An Age-Old Solution For Diabetic Patients

In ancient Ayurveda, Shilajit was understood to be an adaptogenic herb, or what’s called Rasayan. Shilajit for diabetes can be an ultimate preventive measure.

In the pursuit of holistic health and wellness, people are increasingly turning towards ancient remedies rooted in traditional medicine. One such elixir gaining attention for its potential in managing diabetes is Shilajit. This mysterious substance, known for centuries in Ayurveda, is now being investigated for its impact on blood sugar levels and its potential as a natural supplement for diabetes management.

Diabetes mellitus is a name you would hate to see in your health reports. It is a global epidemic in this millennium. It has been reported that the highest increase in diabetes mellitus prevalence is among low and middle-income countries, predominantly within the 40–59 age group, although a tendency is seen for onset at a younger age. Estimates of 347 million people have diabetes mellitus! Diabetes mellitus is an emerging healthcare challenge for India. India had 62 million diabetic subjects within the year 2013, which is quite 7.1% of India’s adult population. An estimate shows that almost 1 million Indians die due to DM per year.

Understanding Shilajit

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in mountainous regions, especially the Himalayas. Shilajit, a rich blend of minerals, fulvic acid, and other organic compounds, has been revered in Ayurveda as a potent rejuvenator and adaptogen.

Historical Significance

With a history spanning over millennia, Shilajit has been a staple in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. Ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita detail its uses for various health conditions, emphasizing its role in promoting vitality and longevity.

Shilajit and Diabetes: The Scientific Connection

Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Recent scientific studies have delved into Shilajit’s potential role in managing diabetes. One of the primary concerns with diabetes is maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Shilajit appears to influence glucose metabolism, leading to improved insulin sensitivity. This effect can be attributed to the presence of fulvic acid, a key component known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidant Properties

Diabetes is often associated with oxidative stress, leading to complications such as diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy. Shilajit’s antioxidant properties may play a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress, offering a natural defence against diabetes-related complications.

Enhancing Mitochondrial Function

Shilajit has been found to enhance mitochondrial function. Since mitochondria are responsible for energy production in cells, this improvement may contribute to better energy utilization and glucose metabolism in individuals with diabetes.

Medical Complications

Do you know what makes this disease one of the most feared? Diabetes was once regarded as a single disease entity but is now seen as a group of diseases characterized by a state of chronic hyperglycemia, resulting from diversity. The underlying cause of diabetes is the decreased production or reduced action of insulin, a hormone that controls glucose metabolism. Characteristically, diabetes may be a long-term disease with variable clinical manifestations and progression. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to a number of complications, – cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and ocular infections.

Prevalence and an Upward Trend!

Diabetes is referred to as an “iceberg” disease. Although the increase in both the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes has occurred globally, it needs to be especially dramatic in societies in economic transition, in newly industrialized countries, and in developing countries. The total number of diabetics worldwide is around 37 million, among which almost 1.2 million people die each year of high blood sugar levels. Most diabetic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

What makes diabetes one of the most feared Conditions?

Diabetic patients, if undiagnosed or inadequately treated, develop multiple chronic complications resulting in irreversible disability and death. Coronary heart conditions and strokes are more common in diabetics than in the general population. Microvascular complications like diabetic renal disease, diabetic retinopathy, and neuropathy are serious health problems resulting in deterioration of the quality of life and premature death. In fact, diabetes is listed among the five most vital determinants of the disorder epidemic in Asia.

Lower-limb amputation is very common in diabetic patients in developed countries; more than half of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations are due to diabetes. Metabolic disorders in pregnant diabetic women, as well as those caused by gestational diabetes, pose a high health risk to both the mother and fetus.

How well-informed are we?

Unfortunately, there’s still inadequate awareness about the important dimension of the matter among the overall public. There is also a scarcity of awareness about the prevailing interventions for preventing diabetes and, therefore, the management of complications. Inadequacies in primary health care systems, which are not designed to cope with the additional challenges posed by chronic non-communicable diseases, result in poor detection of cases, late treatment and inconsistent follow-up, and low compliance by the patients, which just increase the risk of early deaths.

In order to prevent this rather dangerous disease, various preventive measures have to be taken in a phase-wise manner, which includes primary prevention, in which the preventive measures comprise the maintenance of a normal weight through the adoption of healthy nutritional habits and workouts. The nutritional habits include an adequate protein intake, a high intake of dietary fibre, and the avoidance of sweet foods. Elimination of other less well-defined factors like protein deficiency and food toxins could also be considered in some populations. Secondary prevention, after diabetes is detected, must be adequately treated to maintain blood glucose and maintain an ideal body weight.

Effective Management:

Dealing With Diabetes: Shilajit For Diabetes

In addition to following this general advice, Ayurveda, alongside a few new studies, suggests that Shilajit could be a superb choice to prevent, reduce, and perhaps treat diabetes. However, not all forms of Shilajit are as effective as they are in resin form. 

In ancient Ayurveda, Shilajit was understood to be an adaptogenic herb, or what’s called Rasayan. This suggests that it has the power to reverse unhealthy conditions into healthy ones. Studies say three different doses of Shilajit produced a big reduction in blood sugar levels and also produced beneficial effects on the lipid profile. Shilajit for diabetes can be an ultimate preventive measure.

Moreover, combining Shilajit with diabetic medications enhances glucose-lowering function and improves the lipid profile more than any of those drugs given alone. More interestingly, the hypoglycaemic effect of Shilajit, at a particular dose, was significantly above that of metformin. Additionally to lowering blood sugar, it has been effective in improving the lipid profile. All of this proves that Shilajit is an effective supplement and even a probable treatment for diabetes.

What’s even more surprising is that the amounts of cells in the pancreas are often increasing with long Shilajit treatment. This effect is known as pancreatrophic action. This action could be effective in increasing the sensitivity of pancreatic cells, which prompts the secretion of insulin when blood sugar increases.

One must give a chance to this age-old solution, Shilajit, for diabetes.

How to Incorporate Shilajit into Your Routine

Choosing Quality Supplements

When considering Shilajit supplementation, it’s crucial to choose high-quality products. Look for reputable brands that source their Shilajit from reliable locations and employ rigorous testing for purity and potency.

Dosage Considerations

As with any supplement, the right dosage is essential. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable to determine the appropriate amount of Shilajit based on individual health needs and considerations.

Precautions and Considerations

While Shilajit shows promise, it’s important to approach its use with caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or those taking medications should consult with their healthcare providers before incorporating Shilajit into their regimen.

The Future of Shilajit in Diabetes Management

As research on Shilajit and diabetes continues, the potential integration of this natural substance into mainstream diabetes management approaches is an exciting prospect. Its historical use and emerging scientific evidence suggest that Shilajit could be a valuable addition to the arsenal of tools available for managing diabetes naturally.

Conclusion

Shilajit, with its centuries-old legacy in traditional medicine, is capturing the spotlight in contemporary discussions on diabetes management. As we navigate the complex landscape of health and wellness, exploring the potential of ancient remedies like Shilajit offers a fascinating journey into the intersection of tradition and modern science. While more research is needed, the growing interest in Shilajit signals a shift towards embracing natural solutions for the challenges of our time.