A Comparative Study of Allopathy and Ayurveda Medicines in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Clinical Impact

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disorder that has major health and economic consequences. Human beings have been using the herbal and allopathic systems of medicine since a long time to cure, treat, diagnose and prevent various disease and ailments. One such example is T2DM. In Ayurveda, the corresponding term for Diabetes is "Madhumeha" Unlike the ayurvedic system; the allopathic method is more scientifically proven, regulated and developed since decades. Aim: This work comparatively analyzes the Allopathic and Ayurveda treatment in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: A Prospective Longitudinal Study was conducted in 2 tertiary care teaching hospitals that enrolled 100 patients each in Allopathy and Ayurveda groups. Results: Out of 200 patients, male patients were higher in number. The prevalence was higher in the 50 - 60 years age group which has been a greater risk factor for developing diabetes. We have used the Kuppuswamy Scale for the socio- economic categorization in this study and found Lower Middle-class patients were higher in the Allopathy study group and Upper Lower- class patients were dominant in the Ayurveda study group. Conclusion: Better glycemic control was achieved with the Allopathy group over Ayurveda group (p Value: 0.0468*). Random Blood Sugar levels were reduced in the allopathy group which was statistically significant (p Value: 0.0308*) compared to the Ayurveda group.