Curated Paper Ayurveda and Diabetes - Dallas Willden

 Ayurveda is a holistic, almost religious word, that can have many meanings. It is main meaning is balance, balance of Body, mind, and spirit. The words literal definition is “science of life.” The focus of this is to live a healthy lifestyle, that can help promote good health physically, mentally, and spiritually. There are many ways one can do this, we need to take care of our bodies, this comes in many ways, in eating right, in getting enough sleep, and in having enough physical activities throughout the day to keep our body in good and healthy shape.

Having a healthy body can help the mind stay healthy as well. And having a healthy body and healthy mind tend to help your spirit be in a healthy place as well. The idea with Ayurveda is that when one is not in balance between mind, body, and spirit, they are much more likely to get illness and disease if not fixed. I feel like I have seen this in action in real life, both in my own life, and in that of family members or friends. When I am not taking the time each day to destress, and let my mind relax, my body becomes more prone to sickness, or if I am not exercising enough, I feel mentally strained, then again leads me down a path to getting sick. It is all connected, and to the immune system it is very influential to its ability to fight off anything that we do or do not want to have. The lack of having Ayurveda leads to many diseases, or illnesses, one of which is diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that is increasingly more common in the United States, and across the world, though not all countries are fortunate enough to have medicine to the point where they can treat it. Diabetes is something that occurs when the body loses control of the glucose in the bloodstream, which can lead to many major health problems in many ways. These range all the way to limb loss due to the lack of sugars and nutrients found in the limbs.

            My personal experience with Diabetes comes primarily from my time as a missionary in Argentina, Diabetes is a common disease in the poorer parts of the country. They lack the technology, and proper techniques/training to treat it well. While I was there, I saw hundreds of people who had certain limbs that looked as though they had been severely burned, I used to think it looked as though they had been dipped in lava, and many more who had limbs missing, from their untreated diabetes. I saw how privileged we are here to have such blessings to be able to really take good care of ourselves and not have to worry so much about things like that happening.

            Diabetes can cause for what is referred to as diabetic neuropathy, which is what causes the burnt like look that was described a in the prior paragraph. It looks like there is not much known about exactly why this happens with diabetes, though they believe it is a result of continuous high blood sugar, that interacts with the nervous tissues, which then lead to severe nerve damage, and causing that burnt like look that they can get. The only way in a lot of the world that is really known to get rid of this damage is to amputate the limb that has the damage and is causing the pain.

            Diabetes comes primarily from a pancreas disfunction, making it so it cannot produce, or cannot produce enough insulin. This lowered insulin level can lead to several distinct types of diseases within this one. It has the ability to make you more tired by lowering dopamine released in the morning. It can also cause liver, muscle, adipose, stomach, and intestine, or kidney issues. All of which if not treated properly, can seriously decrease life quality for a person or animal.

            My most recent personal experience with diabetes has been work related. Diabetes is a disease that effects people and animals of all different kinds alike, especially as we have started to care so much for dogs and cats, a lot of the dogs and cats that have gotten overweight, they can develop diabetes, which often shows in them being much more lethargic, having more glucose in their urine, or high glucose levels in their blood stream, their bodies had started to fault on them in the sense of  properly using sugars and processing what is needed. It expresses in different ways than for people as well, for example early stages of diabetes for a dog or a cat can cause the development of a cataract, and if left uncared for, and allowed to develop further can lead to blindness.

            For me personally I have an illness that is often the result of over-treatment of diabetes, though I was born with it, it is something called Hypoglycemia, which is almost the opposite problem of diabetes, with diabetes they have a lowered insulin level, and generally speaking a raised blood sugar, causing slow healing, fatigue, blurred vision, etc. With Hypoglycemia it comes from a lower level of blood sugar, where most people who suffer from it is because of medication for lowering their blood sugars, though there are some people, me included, who can’t seem to intake sufficient levels of sugar that last for the day, leading them to having low blood sugar, which leads to irregular heart rates, heat flashes, lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, etc. Both stem from the general same issue but have opposing causes for the illness itself.

            Diabetes in the United States has become a major part of our economy, due to the vast amount of money going into treatment, research, and education, in total contributing roughly 413 billion dollars into our economy. The vast majority of that 413 billion is due to treatment, though there is much more to it. As of 2023 approximately 11.6% of the total us population consisted of diabetics, being 38.4 million people. On top of that there are 1 in every 300 dogs is a diabetic, and one in every 250 cats are diabetic. Today there are 78 million dogs, and about 58 million cats in the US, meaning that about 260 thousand dogs are being treated for diabetes, and 232 thousand cats are being treated as well. Making it one of the most common diseases for man and animal.

            Diabetes is today the 8th highest cause of death in the United States. Following behind heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, covid, strokes, chronic lung diseases, and Alzheimer’s. This is not a small disease and has a major impact on society as a whole, along with individual families. It is unfortunately for most people something that could mostly be avoided if we would learn to better care for ourselves.

            Our society has had a negative impact on this disease, making it all increasingly common over time. Today we are expected often to keep working and doing certain things that overall are a major drawback on our physical health, in the US eating more than we need has become the norm, and to each less you are looked at as poor. Obesity has become normal, and society is trying to teach us that obese is normal, and perfectly healthy, although it is not a healthy way of living, they tell us not to “body shame” or “discriminate” because of someone’s weight, though we should be teaching people to have a more healthy lifestyle, and focus on better self care. Having a disease such as diabetes is something that can be affected greatly by a mix of dietary habits, along with genetic predisposition.

            Diabetes is something that comes often due to an imbalance in our mental, and physical health. Often times people who overeat sweets, and have habits that lead to this disease, come because they do not have good mental health, so instead of taking better care of themselves, they overeat and lead themselves down a path to having diabetes. Ultimately it is important to have that balance between both body and mind, having both can lead to a better healthier lifestyle, and can help to avoid having such diseases. Letting us be healthy and not have any issues physically in the sense of sugars.

Curated Paper 1- Ellie Herd

In first reading about the concept of Ayurveda, I researched the basics of the body. These include the dosha, dhatu, mala, and agni. These aspects of the body, plus the seven basic tissues create a matrix of the body. This matrix can fluctuate, and the different parts of the body can either grow or decay, causing an imbalance resulting in disease. These aspects of Ayurveda interact with each other and vary in dominance in different people. I have difficulty believing in the theory of these basics and their effect on human health, as they seem very similar to the ideas of horoscopes and chakras, both of which I believe have no substance. There is also little evidence to support their existence. However, I do not believe this discredits the idea of Ayurveda as a whole.

Ayurveda theory describes that disease is caused by an imbalance caused by poor eating, unhealthy habits, or not observing the rules of healthy living. Thus, ayurveda promotes health in a range of treatments. These include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and grains. I believe in this part of Ayurveda, and I think that practicing these treatments can help prevent illness and promote general happiness. Western medicine aligns with a lot of these practices as well, and most people know that quality food, as well as adequate exercise and rest, will contribute to overall good health.

Diabetes is an exceptional example of how an imbalance in the body can drastically affect its ability to function correctly. The concept of Ayurveda describes how balance in the body is important to its functioning, and how imbalance may cause disease and other disturbances. An imbalance in blood sugar regulation causes the whole disease, where one deficiency can create issues, which in turn can create additional problems.

The major hormones involved in diabetes are glucagon and insulin, both of which are produced by the pancreas. Glucagon stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver and initiates the breakdown of glycogen into its functional form, glucose. This raises the blood sugar content. Its opposition is known as insulin, which stimulates the formation of glycogen and lowers the blood sugar content. These competing hormones create a balancing act of homeostasis in the blood sugar, as too much or too little blood sugar can have adverse effects. The concept of Ayurveda is prevalent in this balancing act, and its importance is apparent.

Type 1 diabetes is a sudden onset of the disease. It can occur in anyone and may be linked to genetic or immune function factors. T1 is an autoimmune disease, caused by T-cells destroying insulin-producing cells. This causes the pancreas to cease all production of insulin, and blood sugar levels are left unregulated. Individuals with T1 diabetes must use synthetic insulin to regulate their blood sugars. 

Diabetes is more common in the form of Type 2, which is not caused by genetic or immune factors. T2 is mostly influenced by obesity or other health-related issues. Often known as adult-onset diabetes, T2 is more commonly seen in adults struggling with physical inactivity and diets containing high sugar. Hyperinsulinemia is linked to this form of diabetes, where insulin is overproduced just to keep blood sugar at healthy levels. This can cause insulin resistance to build and symptoms of diabetes to form. Type 2 diabetes can be treated and reversed through more nutritious diets and increased physical activity. 

The obesity epidemic that has been an issue in the USA for years now comes to mind. About 40% of adults in the US are obese, and the number is steadily rising. Societal changes are a big cause of this increase in obesity. Urbanization has had a huge impact on the diabetes rates of developed countries. Adults are working less physically demanding jobs, and working from home is becoming increasingly more common. Studies show that Americans are also cooking their food less, preferring to buy food from restaurants and fast food instead. These foods are often heavily processed and lack the nutrients found in more wholesome foods. Another issue arises from healthier foods being too expensive for low-income households. Unfortunately, all of these factor into a steady increase in Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is found to be linked to about 30% to 53% of new diabetes cases every year in the US.

The major culprit of diabetes is physical inactivity. The world is shifting into a place where exercise is brushed to the side to make way for other priorities, specifically in the USA. The major mode of transportation is via cars. The infrastructure of most American cities is centered around roads, highways, and parking lots. Many areas are not pedestrian-friendly, making it especially difficult for even short walking distances. This safety issue, plus the ease of driving results in much less walking. The absence of physical activity can lead to many more issues other than diabetes including high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

I believe that environmental factors can also play a role in the risk of diabetes. Studies show that Utah is one of the least obese states in America. Being near those who live active lifestyles can influence an individual to be active as well. I have noticed that regular exercise and active lifestyles are common in southern Utah, where I have lived my entire life. This could be one of the reasons I choose to live an active lifestyle as well. Culture and socioeconomic status can also factor into the degree of physical activity. Some cultures have religious or familial priorities that make it difficult to exercise daily. Other cultures may have a higher emphasis on sports, leading to higher levels of activity. 

It is clear that diabetes is a detrimental disease, and it is only on the rise. As if the physical and mental tolls of diabetes weren’t bad enough, the financial costs of the disease add even more problems to the mix. The individual costs of medical care can be extremely expensive. The average annual spending for an individual without diabetes is $13,493, while the annual spending for an individual with diabetes is $19,736. This doesn’t even include the costs of procedures that may be necessary when complications occur. End-stage renal disease, hyperglycemic events, and retinopathy are examples of some expensive medical procedures that are associated with diabetes. 

It is not only the individual who is affected by the costs of disease. Medicare expenses can be expensive for the government as well. The American Diabetes Association reports that the annual cost of diabetes in America is around 412.9 Billion. Diabetes accounts for 1 in 4 dollars spent on health care in the US. The burden is huge, and it is weighing down society. Businesses also struggle with the financial burden of diabetes, where employees may be absent or unable to be productive due to health issues. 

So what can be done? If diabetes rates are globally increasing and having profound negative effects on society, what can we do to prevent it? Of course, Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong and irreversible disease, so that part of it is impossible to prevent. Type 2, while it can be difficult to reverse, is possible to overcome. An individual can incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, even if it is just in small increments at a time. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator, taking a quick 10-minute walk, or even choosing to attend the gym once a week can be great starting points. Developing healthy eating habits can also be a great start. Avoiding fad diets and focusing on healthy balanced eating will have long-lasting positive effects.

While there are some things within the control of almost anyone, there are also some societal changes that can be made to help combat the disease. For example, fast food chains tend to be one of the cheapest food sources, so low-income households are more likely to frequent them. Unprocessed whole foods are generally much more expensive. So even if someone was going to make a change, it can be more difficult when money is tight. America is known for having poor food choices in general, so changes need to be made to allow for better American diets all around. 

I have learned that diabetes is a much larger problem than I had previously thought. I knew that the disease could be very harmful and that cases of Type 2 are increasing, but I was unaware of the extent of the matter. Studying all aspects of the disease has given me a better general understanding, and I believe that many others could benefit from knowing about these issues. I think creating more awareness about the disease, its symptoms, how to prevent it, and its financial costs could be beneficial. Educating at-risk people or communities could also help with awareness. Once awareness has spread, then maybe society could begin to make changes.

Curated Paper 1 : Maleah Johnson

  Ayurveda’s meaning is the study of life and is known to take a natural approach in health and well-being.  When thinking about diseases, there are a lot that are caused within the brain.  Some might not necessarily be diseases, but they are classified as mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and bipolar disorder.  Mental health disorders are scientifically classified as chemical imbalances in the brain, and in turn can have an impact on your physical health.  Take attention deficit disorder into consideration, this is a mental health disorder that makes it hard to focus on tasks, forgetfulness in multiple forms, distractibility at any given time, as well as tiredness and restlessness.  This disorder can disrupt your day to day tasks, such as forgetting to eat or drink water, not being able to sleep or fall asleep, which can cause your physical body to not function correctly.   Forgetting to eat can cause you to feel fatigued, irritable, and make it so that you’re confused and not understanding basic functions.  Being fatigued, confused, or irritable can disrupt your surroundings and environment in different ways.  One that comes to mind would be when an individual is driving.  This requires your full attention at all times due to the change in the surroundings that an individual might experience while driving and all the aspects that are needed for an individual's attention at a singular time.

Ayurveda is something that connects the mind, body, and the spirit which we have come to learn over the years.  There are many different aspects to prove this, especially with medicine and science.  While researching Ayurveda it talks about how different pent up emotions can take on your physical body, and which organs can be harmed due to those pent up emotions.  There are physical signs that show when the spirit, or the mind are having a hard time connecting.  I know that personally when I get really tired, or I’m angry I have a tendency to cry very easily.  This is the spirit and the body communicating together to show that there are unresolved issues, even if we don’t know exactly what the issues are yet.  Relating back to immunology we learn that there are many different connections within the body and how we are able to function on a day to day basis.  If there is even one thing wrong with how your body or mind receives information, there are many different diseases that can arise to which you are not able to fight off any diseases in the correct and timely way.  

When thinking of the microbiome, you typically think of the gut first since that is where most of the good bacteria is located.  There are many different ways to help strengthen your microbiome, but there are some ways that can do more harm than good when trying to strengthen your microbiome health.  According to the article “Twenty Things About Your Microbiome”, the microbiome is defined as all the bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and eukaryotes that inhabit the human body.  We usually refer to the microbiome as the ‘second human genome’, according to new research, the microbiome in particular is now being considered a separate ‘organ’ with distinct metabolic and immune activity.   We typically only think about the gut microbiome but there are other microbiome sites within the human body as well, the other sites include skin, oral, and vaginal.  One thing I came across that I found interesting was that the gut microbiota can differ in obese individuals versus lean individuals.  When I looked this up online it states, “An obese person typically has a gut microbiome with a lower density of bacteria, a higher ratio of Firmicutes (gram-positive bacteria that play a key role in host’s metabolism through short-chain fatty acid synthesis) to Bacteroidetes (gram-negative bacteria that ferment polysaccharides and otherwise indigestible carbohydrates and produce short-chain fatty acids that have many beneficial effects in the gut), and a higher abundance of certain bacteria associated with energy extraction from food, potentially contributing to increased calorie absorption and weight gain.  Whereas lean individuals tend to have a more diverse microbiome with a higher portion of Bacteroidetes which are better at breaking down complex carbohydrates and fibers.”.  The microbiome is classified as ‘ecological community of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms within a body space or other environment’.  Within the gut microbiome alone there are more than 1000 bacterial species, and individuals have more than 160 species, with 124 of those species having been studied.  Within all microbiomes in the human body there are many different types of bacteria that fall into the fall categories: Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Fusobacteria.  An individual’s microbiome is always developing, starting during pregnancy, developing throughout childhood, and still developing during adulthood.  During infancy they received most of the food for their microbiome from their mothers milk, and it takes about 1-2 years for the microbiome to stabilize and continue developing. 

When thinking of the bacteria living within your microbiome, we usually lean towards thinking the bacteria is bad, but there are many different types of good bacteria that reside within your gut microbiome and provide a mutualistic relationship between the host and the microbes, which is beneficial to both organisms.  Some of the mutualistic relationships between the host and the microbes include: complete absence bacteria in the gut, immune balance with the host, as well as specific functions for the microbiota which include: seal body spaces, mitigate intestinal pathogens, maintain tissue homeostasis, facilitate fermentation of dietary fiber, critical energy yield, metabolic end products and therapeutic drug processing, signaling among cells and organ systems.  According to the Microbiome and Development powerpoint the importance of host microbiome alignment, “microbiome may cause disease, directly or indirectly, when delicate balance is perturbed.”.  There are many diseases that can stem from having a dysregulated gut microbiome such as: diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, stress, anxiety, heart disease, allergic disorders, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), and cancer.  Ways to improve your microbiome can include changing your diet, which acts like a restart button and can help bring back a lot of the good bacteria needed to develop a healthier microbiome in individuals.  

We know that ayurveda is known for bringing the mind, body, and spirit as one, and being connected in regards to how an individual responds to different exposures in life and how we heal from diseases and infections.  When I looked up on the internet how ayurveda and the microbiome relate to one another, some of the ways it mentioned is with, “diet and digestion, gut health, probiotics, as well as gut brain connection.”.  When researching more into why these two relate to each other, the microbiome and ayurveda are important to each other because the microbiome is a key factor in health and disease, and ayurveda has a long focus on diet and digestion.  As previously stated the gut microbiome helps with digestion, controls the immune system, and destroys harmful bacteria due to the microbiome being a collection of microorganisms that live within the body.  Taking into account being sick, there are ways that your body gives cues in order to let you know that you’re ill  or you’re getting ill.  Even though the most common symptoms can correspond to a lot of different infections diseases, there are subtle cues to show you which illness or disease you’re being infected with.  Even the smallest infection can take a major toll on an individual’s body, their mind, and even their soul.  When you’re infected with an illness or disease your body takes a big hit compared to the mind and soul, but the mind is the next thing to take a hit.  When you’re sick it’s harder to concentrate, you’re not able to think clearly and roll out basic day to day functions without over exerting yourself.  The soul is the last thing to take a hit in my opinion, due to the soul really only being affected after a bit of time fighting off the infection.  When you’re sick for long periods of time, you start to feel a little lonely, feel down or anxious, and almost claustrophobic at times.  Whenever I get sick I try to limit contact with others as much as possible, due to not wanting to get others sick, but sometimes you have to be around others due to schedules, but I try not to be around others for a long period of time.  When I get sick I tend to just sleep and have a hard time staying awake for longer than an hour, which is your body telling you to rest to help fight off the infection and make your body stronger.  Taking into account the body, mind, soul, and your microbiome, they all work together and correspond to one another in regards to fighting off infections since they both focus on the same immune systems and work together rather than work as one and misalign and clash with one another.

When thinking about metabolism there is a big threat that surrounds it and that is mainly with the concern of diabetes.  Diabetes is something that a lot of people struggle with, and once you find out you have diabetes, type 1 or type 2, this is something that you’re going to have to deal with the rest of your life, with medication, treatments, among other things.  There are a lot of misconceptions that surround diabetes as well, and the main thing is that people who have been diagnosed with diabetes are overweight and older individuals.  In some cases, that is true, it does play a part in it for sure, but that isn’t the main reason that causes someone to have diabetes.  There are cases of kids who develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but they are healthy, active kids who are now needing to change some lifestyle habits to now fit their new normal parts of their lives.  

The cost of treatment medications (insulin) is slowly increasing due to the amount of money it takes to make insulin, and distribute it in the right doses for each individual that is needing it.  Insulin is used to control a person’s blood sugar levels, due to people with diabetes not being able to control and regulate their own blood sugar because they are not  able to produce their own insulin.  Someone with diabetes is always needing to regulate their blood sugar, monitoring it so that they are able to continue with their daily lives, without being in danger of passing out, or contracting diseases that diabetes can cause in an individual.  Like I mentioned above there are two different types of diabetes that a person can be contracted with during their lives.  There is type 1 diabetes that can appear in a sudden onset at any age, then there is type 2 diabetes that appears gradually and occurs mostly in adults.  There are many different hormones and organs that work together to maintain the required glucose levels that are found within an individual’s bloodstream.  Diabetes has many different effects on the body that can show up in individuals differently than other individual’s. 

 According to the powerpoint Overview of Diabetes, there are major complications that come with diabetes and it can be either microvascular, or macrovascular.  Microvascular can affect the eyes, kidneys, and neuropathy, whereas macrovascular can affect the brain, heart, and extremities.  The most common symptom people come across when finding out they have been diagnosed with diabetes is most commonly swollen parts of their limbs.  I know diabetes runs in my family and my grandparents are both diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and a symptom they deal with is  swollen feet and ankles.  This was one thing that had the most dramatic change that I noticed before they told me they had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  According to google, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the eyes, and can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.  High blood sugar and kidney damage can lead to diabetic neuropathy, which in shorter terms is known as nerve damage.  This is something that is a little more common in older diabetic patients, they typically can’t feel things as well as they used to with their hands and feet.  My grandpa has told me in the past that he has a harder time feeling things with his feet and they typically do look more swollen, and sometimes more purple in color when he hasn’t been walking and active throughout the day.  When dealing with the macrovascular symptoms they are a lot more dangerous and have a more serious way of expressing themselves. According to google diabetes can affect the brain, heart and extremities in a number of different ways but here are the main ways they can be affected.  High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.  High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to a stroke.  High blood sugar can damage the nerves in the extremities, which can cause numbness, tingling, or pain (which is also linked to neuropathy).  One of my closest friends Mom was diagnosed a few years ago which I was unaware of  until I was at their home.  As we were sitting around playing a game, her pump was going off and she asked me to hand her a piece of candy.  It was then that I noticed they had put more candy bowls around their house but at the time I didn’t think much of it since I noticed it around the holiday’s.  I noticed that everyone in the family was a little concerned and wanted to make sure that she got all the sugar she needed.  After that I started to put the pieces together and realized that she had been diagnosed with diabetes.  She spoke to me later about it and I became more aware and wanted to make sure that she was ok.  It caused me to carry more snacks around in my purse, especially when we were out of the house just in case she didn’t have anything, which I also started to do when I found out my grandpa had been diagnosed as well.  One thing I always wondered was why they used little pieces of candy when their blood sugar is low and I found out it’s a fast acting sugar.  It’s something that will get their blood sugar up very quickly until they are able to get their blood sugar levels up in other ways or inject insulin into their bodies.

Curated paper 1 - Jin Yoo

 Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, results from the body’s inability to regulate glucose levels effectively. Glucose, the primary energy source for cells, plays a critical role in bodily functions, much like amino acids do in protein synthesis. However, with the rise of modern, high-sugar diets, we are experiencing a surge in metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes (T2D). While conventional treatments exist, there is growing interest in exploring alternative approaches, such as Ayurveda, to manage these conditions.

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. Rooted in natural treatments, Ayurveda offers holistic strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, nutritional adjustments, and herbal medications, many of which have been used for centuries to treat metabolic disorders. While skepticism around Ayurvedic practices persists, particularly due to concerns about their scientific grounding, recent studies suggest that certain Ayurvedic treatments might complement conventional medicine in managing chronic diseases like diabetes (Farooqui et al., 2018).  

The body’s glucose regulation system is delicate and easily disrupted by poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles. Overconsumption of sugar leads to insulin resistance, a hallmark of T2D. In this condition, the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, preventing the efficient transport of glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This results in elevated blood glucose levels, which, if left unchecked, can cause a range of complications, including neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases (Rippe & Angelopoulos, 2016). Since diets play a crucial role in treatment of diabetes, Ayurvedic treatment has potential to lower the risk of diseases which is followed by diabetes. 

Diabetes has significant socioeconomic impacts as well. In the United States alone, the direct and indirect costs associated with the disease exceed $966 billion annually (Elflein, 2024). Globally, diabetes affects more than 400 million individuals, with projections indicating that number could rise to over 600 million by 2040 (Bommer et al., 2018). While lifestyle changes can mitigate the progression of diabetes, genetic factors also play a role. Research has uncovered several gene mutations associated with T2D, which further complicates the disease’s management. Therefore, diabetes is not an individual problem anymore but it is also a worldwide health problem that impacts on economic. 

Ayurveda offers an intriguing approach to managing metabolic diseases by focusing on balancing the body’s doshas-Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-which are believed to govern physiological functions, including metabolism (Gupta, 2024). According to Ayurvedic principles, diabetes, particularly Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus), is primarily a Kapha disorder, characterized by an imbalance of digestion that leads to sluggish metabolism and malfunction of glycemic control which is the homeostasis of blood sugar levels (Singh et al., 2022). Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and dietary modifications to restore this balance and enhance the body’s natural ability to regulate glucose levels. (Modak et al., 2007). Herbs like bitter gourd, fenugreek, and turmeric, commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments, have shown promise in managing blood sugar levels. Herbs are naturally-found materials that contain many kinds of chemical materials. A key reason for the focus on naturally-found treatments in Ayurveda is that herbal remedies typically fewer side effects and, more importantly, are less costly (Modak et al., 2007). Recent studies reveal that these herbs can reduce glucose absorption in the intestines and improve insulin sensitivity (Modak et al, 2007). These findings align with the modern understanding of diabetes management, where reducing sugar intake and improving the body's response to insulin are key strategies. Despite the rising interest in alternative treatments, conventional medicine (CM) remains the cornerstone of diabetes management, relying heavily on pharmaceutical drugs like insulin and metformin. However, Ayurveda’s holistic approach is gaining attention, especially in chronic conditions where conventional treatments may not fully address the complexity of the disease. For instance, studies on the integration of Ayurvedic treatments in metabolic disorders show promising results, with patients experiencing improvements in insulin sensitivity and reductions in blood sugar levels (Gordon et al., 2019). 

In South Korea, a similar trend is emerging with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), which is gaining acceptance alongside CM. While skepticism persists, particularly among younger generations, older adults are increasingly opting for TKM to treat chronic conditions, including metabolic disorders. Like Ayurveda, TKM offers a holistic approach that complements conventional treatments, focusing on restoring balance in the body (Park et al., 2021). Both Ayurveda and conventional medicine have their merits in treating diabetes. While CM offers evidence-based interventions, Ayurveda provides a broader, mind-body approach, which emphasizes prevention and long-term balance. My personal experience with traditional treatments, including a successful encounter with Traditional Korean Medicine, has broadened my perspective. While I initially favored conventional science-based treatments, my exposure to alternative methods has made me more open to exploring the potential of these holistic approaches, especially in managing chronic diseases like diabetes.

In conclusion, while modern medical practices have made significant strides in managing diabetes, integrating traditional systems like Ayurveda offers a promising avenue for more holistic care. Both approaches emphasize lifestyle adjustments and long-term prevention, but Ayurveda also adds an element of natural harmony, focusing on balancing the body's energies. As research continues to explore the effectiveness of these treatments, there is an increasing need to bridge the gap between traditional and conventional medicine, offering patients a more comprehensive approach to health. As we move forward in understanding the complexities of diabetes and metabolic health, the exploration of these diverse healing systems opens the door for more innovative approaches to care. The integration of traditional and modern practices presents an exciting frontier, one that holds the potential to revolutionize the management of chronic diseases.

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Curated Paper 1- Maia Florence

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health. It focuses on maintaining balance within the body and with the environment. Science classes often teach us about homeostasis and how all living things must maintain homeostasis, bringing balance to a system. An organism must maintain balance with itself and the environment to survive. There can be deadly consequences if balance is not maintained. 
    Last fall, I took an immunology class in which we discussed the immune system in depth. We learned about the importance of balance within the immune system. If an antigen enters the body, it can lead to imbalance and the immune system must fight to restore homeostasis. Sometimes balance is not restored and a person may die. It is fascinating how our body is a system and everything is interconnected. 
When you view the world through an interconnected lens, you can see how everything has a purpose. Our bodies are connected with the environment and changes to the environment can lead to changes in our bodies. There is a cause and an effect with all things. Understanding this concept can help one better understand the need for balance. A change in one aspect of our lives can lead to another, which could lead to imbalance and disease. 
One such disease is physical inactivity. Some argue that physical inactivity should be viewed as a pandemic. Many measures were implemented to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. More can and should be done to overcome the physical health pandemic. Improving physical health often improves other aspects. Healthcare would drastically change, mental health would improve, and economic costs would be reduced. 
The top two leading causes of death in the United States are due to physical inactivity-related diseases. This could be overcome and prevented if we actively make changes to our society. This could help to decrease the amounts of preventable deaths. My grandma was not in the best state of physical health and it had a great impact on her quality of life. She was often unable to do many activities and she suffered from several heart conditions. These are things that she could have worked on to improve. 
    Generally, the physical health of adults in the United States is declining. It was fascinating to view the obesity maps of the country spanning seven years. In the beginning, several states were in the green for having lower levels of obesity, but after a few years, only three were classified as green. Things will continually get worse unless changes are made. Those changes can be made at an individual level.
    Diabetes can be quite expensive. I have seen this firsthand in my extended family. My aunt and cousin have Type 1 diabetes. My aunt has had it since she was a college student and my cousin was diagnosed when he was a pre-teen. There were multiple times my cousin was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night because his insulin levels were too low. The medical bills from these hospital visits were not cheap. Another expenditure for my cousin was having their dog trained to be a diabetic-alert dog. The extensive training that their dog, Hercules, went through made it possible for him to detect when my cousin’s glucose levels were too high or low. Hercules would then alert my aunt or uncle and they would help my cousin. 
        According to an article that discusses the economic costs of diabetes, individuals with diabetes pay 2.6 times more in medical expenses. People with diabetes have to purchase insulin and other medications to maintain their blood glucose levels. These are direct costs associated with the disease. There are also indirect costs such as reduced employment and a decrease in productivity. It is interesting to see how diabetes affects all aspects of an individual’s life. They are unable to participate in normal activities and their quality of life can be negatively affected. For those with serious health conditions, they may have a premature death, which would impact those in their circle of influence. 
        There are often stigmas associated with people who have Type 2 diabetes. Those with this condition may have blamed themselves or may feel blamed by those around them. Although changes in diet and exercise could help to prevent Type 2 diabetes, some things are out of people’s control such as age, socioeconomic status, and family medical history. It is vital to treat people with kindness and empathy. We should strive to not view them as their disease. This could help those who need to seek help and follow through with diabetic treatment. 
        The gut microbiome also includes the concept of Ayurveda. The microbes in our body bring balance to metabolic functions, neurotransmitters, and energy levels. If things get out of balance there can be negative effects. It is essential to maintain homeostasis. The microbiome has often been thought of as a stabilizing force for organisms.
        The gut microbiome is very diverse. There are thousands of different types of microbes. Events from a person’s life and the environment determine which microbes will be present. I did not know that how a baby was delivered would play a role in the makeup of gut microbiota. Knowing this stresses the idea that everything helps to contribute to the larger picture.
        The idea that antibiotics can affect the makeup of a person’s gut microbiome was also mind-blowing. A series of chain reactions determines the composition of an individual’s microbiome. If a person takes certain antibiotics or experiences certain life events, they will have different microbes. It reminds me of the signaling cascades that I learned about in biochemistry. A simple compound could cause a series of chain reactions that lead to a change in the organism. The same is true for our gut microbiome. 
Individuals in the United States have a less diverse gut microbiome than those in less developed countries.     Americans are exposed to different elements from those living in less developed countries. Studies have found that a more diverse microbiota is better for overall health. Similar findings have been found in ecosystems, The more species present in an ecosystem, the healthier the ecosystem is.
        Our diet contributes to the makeup of our gut microbiome. In Western civilization, many of the foods that are consumed daily are highly processed. These types of foods can damage the gut and lead to inflammatory diseases. A recent trend is to eat clean by consuming natural foods. The gut microbiomes of individuals that eat natural foods versus processed foods will differ. The microbes in the gut need to be able to digest the foods we consume. It was interesting to learn that organisms living near the harbor in Japan have microbes in particular for digesting seaweed. As a college student, I know that many improvements could be made to my diet. 
        The human microbiome is ever-changing. Coevolution takes place between the host and microbiome. The relationship is symbiotic, meaning both members benefit. The microbiome can harm the host if there is an imbalance. A healthy relationship can become dangerous when things get out of hand. The need for Ayurveda is constantly being reinforced. Individuals with microbiome imbalances can develop diabetes, obesity, or cancer. The microbiome is something that should not be overlooked. It can determine a person’s quality of life. 
        Changes to the microbiome can be instantaneous. It was found that an immediate change took place in the microbiome when individuals changed from animal to plant diets. Instant change is necessary because different microbes are needed to digest certain foods. It may not be the most effective to change diets instantly because it gives little time for the microbiome to adapt. Rather it may be more effective to introduce small changes over an extended period of time. There is still so much that can be learned about the human microbiome and the concept of Ayurveda. 

Curated Paper 1 - Kaden Jensen

 My excitement for Ayurveda began when I first read the phrase, "Ayurveda incorporates yoga." That statement was very exciting to me because although my knowledge of Ayurveda was limited, I had always connected deeply with yoga, so the idea that the two were intertwined intrigued me. As I dug deeper, I learned that Ayurveda is much more than just an ancient system of stretching, but is an entirely holistic approach to health that seeks to treat both the body and the mind. One article I came across referred to modern medicine as a "reductionist approach" compared to the holistic nature of Ayurveda. The term reductionist struck a chord with me, as it made me reflect on how Western medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than understanding and addressing the full context of a person's health.

This was especially relevant to me because I have personal experience with chronic illness in my family. My mother has suffered from debilitating migraines throughout her life. Her migraines are severe, sometimes lasting days and usually cause her to vomit. For as long as I can remember, she has been searching for ways to manage her migraines, trying medication after medication, but rarely finding relief. It’s painful to watch, especially during the worst of her migraines, when she’s bedridden and unable to anything she wants to. Over the years, she has found more success in using holistic practices, taking care of her overall health, and focusing on the periods when she is pain-free. Those windows of well-being have allowed her to enjoy her favorite activities, such as hiking, which has brought balance to her life. Seeing her embrace holistic healing strategies, despite the constant challenges, has made me eager to explore more about Ayurveda and its potential to help people with chronic illnesses.

Ayurveda’s holistic philosophy applies to chronic conditions, including one that uniquely concerns me: diabetes. Diabetes is largely influenced by factors that are within our control, yet many people are unwilling to make the lifestyle changes necessary to manage or prevent it. Reflecting on diabetes has also pushed me to confront my own habits. I know I live a largely sedentary lifestyle, and my diet is not great to say the least. It consists almost entirely of cereal. I rarely make time for physical exercise, beyond walking to school. It’s become clear to me that if I don't change these habits, I could be setting myself up for long-term health issues. Thinking about the potential of developing diabetes has made me more introspective and motivated to improve my lifestyle, especially considering the changes I could make to better align with Ayurveda and improving the balance in all areas of my life.

My concern about diabetes is not just the concern I possess for every chronic illness. Type 1 diabetes runs in my family, and it’s a reality I can’t ignore. My cousin, only two years older than me, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His diagnosis was a shock to all of us. Despite his efforts to manage the condition, his situation has been made more complicated by the fact that he is uninsured and unemployed, meaning he struggles to afford insulin. His mother has had to step in to help cover the costs. This has made me especially aware of how fragile health can be and how difficult it is to manage a condition like Type 1 diabetes without proper support. The sudden onset of the disease is particularly terrifying. Johns Hopkins lists the warning signs of Type 1 diabetes as including abnormal thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and nausea. I’ve noticed some of these symptoms in myself from time to time, but I’ve avoided confronting them, out of fear. However, after talking to my cousin and learning about his experiences, I’m more alert to the possibility that I need to monitor my own health more closely.

As I continued learning about Type 1 diabetes, I found it fascinating how intricate the treatment process is, especially with insulin management. There have been various types of insulin distribution technologies, and the introduction of closed-loop systems offer some hope for better control. These closed-loop systems are devices that automatically monitor glucose and administer insulin. Still, the unpredictability of blood sugar changes due to factors like stress, physical activity, or diet means even the best technology can only do so much. The promise of a fully autonomous closed-loop system in the future is encouraging, but the reality is that managing diabetes is a constant balancing act.

Unfortunately, the cost of insulin in the U.S. is a major issue. A vial of insulin can cost around $250, yet it only costs a few dollars to produce. I was shocked when I learned about this price discrepancy, especially knowing that it affects so many people, including my cousin. The high price of insulin is largely due to a lack of competition among manufacturers, which has created a sort of monopoly. The reality that one in four patients in the U.S. has to ration their insulin because they can’t afford it is appalling. I read about a young man who died because he couldn’t afford insulin, and the idea that a life can be lost over something so preventable feels deeply terrifying and inequitable.

Diabetes also made me reflect on the balance within the body, a concept that Ayurveda emphasizes. One of the most interesting things I learned was how diabetes affects the pancreas and liver, disrupting glucose regulation and potentially causing a cascade of other health issues. It made me appreciate how interconnected our organs and systems are. This sense of interconnectedness reinforces Ayurveda’s focus on balance. Everything in the body works together, and when one part is out of balance, the whole system suffers.

The modern lifestyle has made maintaining that balance increasingly difficult. I read a statistic that physical inactivity is now considered a pandemic, contributing to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, among other health issues. This really hit home for me. It’s so easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, especially when social norms and modern conveniences often encourage sitting at a device to be productive. But knowing that something as simple as regular movement could prevent or mitigate chronic illnesses has motivated me to make changes in my own life.

My diet, too, is in need of improvement. As I mentioned earlier, my diet consists primarily of cereal, and while I’ve always seen this as a convenient, low-waste food, I’ve come to realize that it’s terribly unhealthy. My research into the connections between obesity, depression, and diabetes was a wake-up call. Many members of my family have experienced depression, and some have gained significant weight during depressive episodes. While obesity is not something I’ve fully confronted in my own life, I know I need to stay aware when I’m feeling down. Ayurveda’s holistic approach teaches that the mind and body are not separate, and addressing both is essential for well-being. Changing my diet and incorporating more nutrient-dense foods is a simple step I can take toward better health.

Exploring Ayurveda and my diet also introduced me to the concept of the gut microbiome. I had always thought of obesity as a simple competition between calories in versus calories out. However, I learned that the gut microbiome plays a much larger role in weight regulation and overall health. This was humbling, as I realized how much I didn’t know about the complexity of our bodies. The microbiome’s impact on our physical and mental health is profound, and I now see obesity and weight management in a completely different light. It’s not just about diet and exercise—there are deeper biological forces at play, and Ayurveda’s emphasis on maintaining balance within the body makes even more sense in this context. I had to apologize to family members who I had castigated for blaming their weight on biological factors outside of their caloric intake, so I think this consideration has improved my relationships.

I was especially fascinated to learn that the gut microbiome can influence our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. I’ve struggled with poor sleep for years, often feeling exhausted during the day and wide awake at night. It’s something that has frustrated me, but now I’m curious about whether changes to my diet could improve my sleep. I’ve already started incorporating more variety into my meals. I read that some of the most important foods to add are oatmeal and beans, and I’m hopeful that these small changes will lead to better sleep and a more balanced life overall.

It was also surprising to learn how early childhood diets can shape the gut microbiome. Growing up in a low-income household, I didn’t always have access to the healthiest foods, and great value cereals made up the entirety of my diet. I had no idea that my childhood eating habits could have a lasting impact on my microbiome into adulthood, but one of the studies showed that there the effects of juvenile poor diets can be seen even six years later. While I can’t change my past, I’m hopeful that by making changes now, I can still improve my overall health and bring my body back into balance.

One of the most surprising aspects of my research was learning about fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs). The idea that healthy bacteria from one person’s gut can be used to treat diseases in another person’s gut by restoring balance is mind-blowing to me. The treatment wasn’t to directly kill the bad bacteria, but to dilute it with beneficial bacterial. This was another example of many that shows how much Ayurveda’s concept of balance applies to modern medicine, even when the method might seem unconventional.  The more I learn about Ayurveda, the more I see how relevant its principles are to achieving long-term health, especially when dealing with chronic conditions.

 

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