Ayurvedic review on diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major health issue in today's world. Main threat is not the disease itself but its complications like nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy etc. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the earliest complications which has the highest prevalence of about 40-50% and is becoming the leading cause of hospital stay among diabetic mallitus and also the leading cause of foot ulcers, their complications like limb amputation and cost associated with it. Madhumeha which has been described as 'Maharogas' i.e. difficult to treat disease has many similarities with Diabetes mellitus can be understood and studied as same disease. Ayurveda has mentioned the causes, pathophysiology and symptoms of DPN as 'karapada daha -suptata' in purvarupa lakshanas and upadrava lakshanas but in  scattered form. Applying the ayurveda principals in diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus and its complications like DPN can considerably reduce the chance of foot ulcers, and its consequences. But it needs depth study to understand the concept of DPN so as to form an effective management protocal.