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| - Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that diabetes can always be cured using Ayurveda. We did a fact check and found this claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
A Threads post suggests that diabetes can be cured 100% for everyone. The post is a promotional video from a clinic claiming to cure diabetes permanently through Ayurveda with a 100% guarantee.
Fact Check
Can Ayurveda completely cure diabetes for everyone?
No, Ayurveda cannot guarantee a complete cure for diabetes in every individual. While Ayurvedic principles may help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall well-being, diabetes—especially type 1—is a lifelong condition that requires continuous care. There is no strong scientific evidence proving that Ayurveda can permanently reverse diabetes.
Many studies on Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes have flaws, such as weak research methods and small sample sizes, making their results unreliable. Safety is also a concern, as some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain toxic metals. We need more high-quality research before these treatments can be confidently recommended for diabetes care.
We consulted Dr P Rammanohar, Research Director at the Amrita School of Ayurveda, to gain insights into the Ayurvedic treatment of diabetes. He explains, “Ayurveda categorises diabetes into different stages depending on its progression. In the early phase, known as Kapha Prameha, lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies can help manage and even reverse the condition. However, as diabetes advances into Pitta Prameha, it requires lifelong medication rather than a cure. In its most severe stage, Vata Prameha, managing the condition becomes highly challenging. While ongoing research explores potential treatments, no single herb or remedy has been proven to completely cure diabetes.”
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, MD Scholar at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, clarifies, “Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to diabetes, focusing on digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being. Herbs like Neem, Turmeric, and Triphala help improve insulin sensitivity, but managing diabetes effectively requires consistency in diet, physical activity, and mental well-being. Some people with early-stage type 2 diabetes may see significant improvement with Ayurvedic practices, but that doesn’t mean a universal cure exists. It’s important to integrate Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medical guidance rather than rely on one system alone.”
How does Ayurveda approach diabetes?
In Ayurveda, diabetes is referred to as Madhumeha, a condition which results from imbalanced doshas (biological energies). The focus of Ayurvedic treatment is on balancing the body through dietary changes, herbal remedies, yoga, and lifestyle adjustments. Herbs such as Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium), and Neem are commonly used to help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to note that these treatments support management rather than offering a cure.
Ayurvedic approaches to diabetes are personalised, incorporating a combination of diet, herbal medicines, lifestyle changes, and detox therapies. Since most treatments involve blends of herbs, it is challenging to conduct standard clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness. While the Indian government regulates Ayurvedic medicines with set quality standards, research into their safety and effectiveness is ongoing.
Dr Muskan Thakur, BAMS, Ayurveda Consultant, Indore, says, “Ayurveda views diabetes as Prameha, a condition that includes 20 different types, each associated with imbalanced doshas (biological energies), particularly Kapha. Of these, 10 are Kapha-dominant and considered Sadhya (curable), 6 are Pitta-dominant and classified as Yapya (difficult to cure), and 4 are Vata-dominant, which are regarded as Ashadhya (incurable). While Ayurvedic treatments, such as herbal remedies like Haridra, Giloy, Fenugreek, Shilajit, Gudmar, and Vijaysar, can support blood sugar regulation, completely curing diabetes is not always achievable—especially in the case of Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, may help normalise blood sugar levels in some cases. However, it’s important to be cautious of exaggerated claims.”
Dr Thakur adds, “In the early stages of diabetes, seeking Ayurvedic treatment may help manage the condition before relying on oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) or insulin. For genetically inherited diabetes, Ayurveda may offer supportive treatment, but it does not guarantee a permanent cure for everyone.”
Can type 1 diabetes be reversed through Ayurveda?
No, type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed by Ayurveda or any known medical system. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin. Patients must rely on insulin therapy for survival. Ayurveda may help in symptom management and overall health improvement but cannot regenerate insulin-producing beta cells.
What about type 2 diabetes—can Ayurveda reverse it?
Not always. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles. In some cases, strict lifestyle modifications—including Ayurvedic practices—may help restore normal blood sugar levels. However, this is not a guaranteed reversal for everyone. Some patients still require medications, insulin, or long-term dietary control.
In an earlier interview with THIP Media, Dr V Mohan shared his thoughts on diabetes cure and remission. He explained, “The terms ‘Diabetes Reversal’ and ‘Diabetes Cure’ have become popular recently, but they are not new. The correct term is ‘Diabetes Remission,’ which means the condition may temporarily improve, but it can return. Currently, there is no permanent cure for diabetes.”
On a related note, there are claims that a herbal drink can reverse and manage diabetes. However, this is not medically accurate. That said, adopting a healthy diet can effectively help prevent pre-diabetes.
Are Ayurvedic diabetes treatments backed by scientific studies?
Some herbs used in Ayurveda, such as Gudmar and Vijaysar, have shown potential in reducing blood sugar levels in small-scale studies. However, large, standardised clinical trials proving complete diabetes reversal are lacking. The use of Ayurvedic medicines should always be under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional to avoid complications like hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Do Ayurvedic clinics promising a 100% cure have medical validity?
No, any clinic or practitioner guaranteeing a 100% cure for diabetes is misleading people. Medical science, including Ayurveda, recognises that diabetes management is individualised, and not everyone responds the same way to treatment. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and the WHO have cautioned against false medical claims regarding diabetes treatment.
THIP Media Take
The claim that diabetes can always be cured using Ayurveda is mostly false. While Ayurveda can help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health, it cannot guarantee a 100% cure for diabetes in every case. Type 1 diabetes is irreversible, and type 2 diabetes requires a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Any claim of a permanent cure through Ayurveda alone is misleading.
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