On World Diabetes Day on November 14, Central
Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru, is set to host a programme on holistic management
of diabetes. The special programme titled ‘Madhumeha Vimarsha’ will highlight
the ongoing research, clinical work, and outreach initiatives undertaken by the
Centre of Excellence in Research and Clinical Services for Madhumeha (Diabetes
Mellitus).
Lectures will be given by Prof. (Dr.) G.G. Gangadharan, Former
Director, Ramiah Indic Speciality Ayurveda Restoration Hospital, on ‘Holistic
Management of Madhumeha’ and others.
The Centre focuses on developing and
implementing an integrative approach to the prevention and management of
diabetes through Ayurveda, Yoga, and lifestyle interventions. So far, around
6,000 patients have availed of services at the Institute, with more than 25%
from the economically weaker section.
Beyond clinical care, the Centre has
strengthened outreach through digital health initiatives, benefiting over 6
lakh people via e-medical records, teleconsultations, SMS alerts, and
information accessible on its website (www.cari.gov.in) and social media platforms.
The Centre has also developed a machine
learning-based predictive system for assessing diabetes risk, which has
received copyright protection. The system is under validation through a web
application and will be developed into a mobile app to enable individuals to
monitor their health more effectively.
According to Dr. Sulochana Bhat, in-charge,
CARI Bengaluru, focus is on combining traditional wisdom with scientific
research to address diabetes in a holistic yet evidence-based manner. The
Centre’s initiatives reflect how integrative healthcare can support prevention
and improve quality of life for those at risk.
Collaborative studies with CSIR-CFTRI,
Mysuru, and IISc Bengaluru are underway on selected food products and Ayurvedic
formulations.
The Ministry of Ayush continues to promote
research and clinical initiatives aimed at developing sustainable, inclusive,
and evidence-based strategies for managing lifestyle-related disorders such as
diabetes.
