I have been a diabetic for over 25 years. Despite my many efforts, including some of the best medication, I have never been able to get my diabetes under control. Could you please advise?

There are two major forms of diabetes: Type I is primarily due to insufficient production of insulin due to a loss of cells in the pancreas, while Type II is characterized by insulin intolerance. People with Type II diabetes are often overweight, and their treatment becomes much more effective when weight is reduced. I would encourage you to start by making the following three lifestyle changes:

1. Develop a daily meditation practice. During stressful life events, people with diabetes often have more difficulty maintaining blood-sugar levels. Meditation is a powerful practice to help maintain balance and calm in the midst of life’s inevitable stresses.
2. Follow a healthy, Kapha-pacifying diet. From an ayurvedic perspective, overweight results from an imbalance of the Kapha dosha. You can learn more about the doshas or mind-body types here. To reduce Kapha, favor warm, light foods that contain the pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes. Reduce your consumption of foods containing the sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
3. Consider using ayurvedic herbs that help regulate blood sugar levels: guduchi, shatavari, and amalaki. [Alex-the first two items can link to the store – the third can go to the definition in the library] These are best used under the guidance of a health care provider who understands diabetes as well as the role of holistic approaches.

With love,
David