AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW OF ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND MANAGEMENT OF PRAMEHA (DIABETES MELLITUS)

Prameha is a major metabolic disorder described in Ayurveda, characterized by excessive quantity and abnormal quality of urine along with progressive disturbance of Dosha, Dhatu, Agni, and Srotas. Classical Ayurvedic texts explain Prameha as a Tridoshaja disorder with predominant Kapha involvement and significant association with Meda Dhatu and Mutravaha Srotas. Twenty varieties of Prameha have been described based on Dosha predominance, among which Madhumeha represents an advanced stage associated with Vata predominance and tissue depletion. The disease is considered a systemic metabolic derangement rather than a condition limited to urinary abnormality. Excessive intake of Kapha-promoting foods, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, excessive sleep, and hereditary factors are described as important causes.