A Critical Review of Prameha and its Correlation with Diabetes Mellitus

Prameha is a group of urinary and metabolic disorders described in Ayurvedic classical literature. It is characterized by excessive urination and alteration in the colour, consistency, odour and other properties of urine. Madhumeha, one of the Vataja varieties of Prameha, is commonly correlated with diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia caused by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance or a combination of both. Long-standing hyperglycaemia may result in cardiovascular, renal, ocular, neurological and peripheral vascular complications. Ayurveda explains the pathogenesis of Prameha through the involvement of Kapha, Pitta and Vata, along with Meda, Mamsa, Rasa, Kleda, Majja, Vasa, Shukra and Ojas. The present review discusses the classical concept of Prameha, its Nidana, Samprapti, classification, clinical features and possible correlation with diabetes mellitus. The Ayurvedic principles of management include Nidana Parivarjana, Pathya-Apathya, exercise, appropriate Shodhana, Shamana therapy and individualized treatment. Madhumeha and diabetes mellitus should be correlated carefully because Prameha is a broader Ayurvedic clinical entity and is not identical to every form of diabetes