1. Introduction
An 80-year-old woman had been managing diabetes for several years with limited success. Despite continuous insulin therapy and other medications, her blood sugar levels remained poorly controlled, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications. Her declining health prompted her family to seek a more holistic approach at SLNS Hospital, where she embarked on a journey of integrative care. Through personalized naturopathic interventions, Kanthamma experienced a remarkable improvement in her health, illustrating that advanced age is no obstacle to achieving better health outcomes.
2. Patient Information
Kanthamma presented to SLNS Hospital with a history of poorly controlled diabetes. She had been using insulin to regulate her blood glucose levels but continued to experience complications due to hyperglycemia. The impact on her quality of life was significant, and her family, seeking alternatives to conventional treatment, opted for an integrative healthcare approach. The patient’s initial clinical assessment revealed elevated fasting blood sugar (FBS), average blood glucose (ABG), and HbA1c, all indicating poor glycemic control.
3. Medication History
S.No | Medication | After Treatment | Mechanism |
1 | Fourte- S (0-1-0) | 0-1-0 | A multivitamin supplement addressing nutritional deficiencies, supporting overall health. |
2 | Dapagliflozin 10 mg, Metformin Hydrochloride1000 mg(1-0-1) | Tapered | Contains Metformin Hydrochloride and Dapagliflozin, which reduce glucose production and absorption. |
3 | Glibenclamide: 5 mg,Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg(1-0-1) | Tapered | A combination of Glibenclamide and Metformin that increases insulin production and reduces blood glucose. |
The patient’s initial medication regimen included FOURTE S, a multivitamin supplement with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, taken once daily (0-1-0). OXRAMET XR, containing Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg and Dapagliflozin 10 mg, was prescribed twice daily (1-0-1) to reduce glucose production and absorption. GLUCORED FORTE, a combination of Glibenclamide 5 mg and Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg, was also taken twice daily (1-0-1) to lower blood glucose by increasing insulin production from the pancreas. Additionally, GLINIL-M, with the same composition as GLUCORED FORTE, was prescribed twice daily (1-0-1).
4. Naturopathic and Lifestyle Interventions
In addition to pharmacological treatment, Kanthamma received naturopathic care, which included:
- Personalized Diet Plan: A balanced diet tailored to her specific metabolic needs to optimize blood sugar levels and overall health.
- Herbal Supplements: Ashwagandha and Turmeric were incorporated due to their adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and neuromuscular health-supporting properties.
- Exercise and Stress Management: Gentle yoga and breathing exercises were introduced to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce stress, and support cardiovascular health.
These holistic interventions, along with ongoing monitoring and adjustments, contributed significantly to her improvement.
5. Results and Follow-Up
Below is a table summarizing Kanthamma’s biomarker results before and after treatment:
S.No | Biomarker | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
1 | FBS | 150 | 87 |
2 | ABG | 258 | 174 |
3 | HbA1c | 10.6% | 7.7% |
4 | Fasting Insulin | 8.59 | 5.85 |
5 | Hs CRP | 2.9 | 1.7 |
6 | GGT | 38.6 | 32.7 |
After undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan, kanthamma showed significant improvements in several key biomarkers. Her Fasting Blood Sugar decreased from 150 mg/dL to 87 mg/dL, indicating a notable improvement in glucose metabolism. Similarly, her Average Blood Glucose (ABG) levels dropped from 258 mg/dL to 174 mg/dL, reflecting better overall glycemic control. The HbA1c level, which is a marker of long-term glucose control, reduced from 10.6% to 7.7%, significantly lowering her risk for long-term complications. Fasting Insulin also improved, dropping from 8.59 μIU/mL to 5.85 μIU/mL, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. Additionally, her Hs CRP, a marker for systemic inflammation, decreased from 2.9 mg/L to 1.7 mg/L, reflecting a reduction in inflammation. Finally, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), an indicator of liver function, improved from 38.6 U/L to 32.7 U/L, suggesting better liver health and reduced oxidative stress.
6. Discussion
Kanthamma’s case highlights the significant role of integrative and naturopathic treatments in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Despite her age and long history of diabetes, she achieved impressive improvements in her biomarkers and overall well-being. The combination of personalized diet, herbal supplementation, and stress management played a key role in reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and optimizing metabolic function. The reduction in biomarkers such as HbA1c and FBS indicates not only better glucose control but also a decreased risk of long-term complications. The patient’s successful tapering off of conventional medications demonstrates the potential of naturopathic care in reversing the course of chronic diseases.
7. Conclusion
Kanthamma no longer requires insulin therapy. With a dedicated nature cure regimen, including a personalized diet and therapeutic treatments, the patient has successfully tapered off all the above medications. This holistic approach not only eliminated the need for pharmaceuticals but also led to improved metabolic health and overall well-being. The patient’s progress highlights the efficacy of integrative and natural therapies in managing and overcoming chronic conditions.