Integrating Ayurvedic Insights and Modern Knowledge: Millets for Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Review

This study aimed to integrate ancient Ayurvedic insights with modern medical knowledge to explore millets' potential in managing Type 2 Diabetes. Insights from Ayurveda point to millets' potential anti diabetic properties. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Google Scholar, Connected papers and Google databases gathered information on millets' role in diabetes management, including preclinical studies and reviews. Studied millet types—Pearl, Foxtail, Finger, Little, Sorghum, Barnyard, Kodo—examining nutrient profiles, glycemic index, Ayurvedic traits. Nutrient-rich, with carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals aligning with diabetes needs. Low glycemic indices from complex carbs, high fiber offer gradual glucose impact, aiding stability. Ayurvedic principles like Laghu [light], Rooksha [drying], Kleda Soshaka [moisture reduction], Lekhana [scrapping], and Badhavitkam [dryness induction] indicate therapeutic potential for diabetes-related imbalances. Certain millet types from the Ayurvedic text Bhavaprakasha Nighantu were highlighted for therapeutic benefits. Integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern science validates millets' potential in diabetes management, emphasizing holistic approaches. Millets' attributes, backed by nutrient composition, low glycemic index, and Ayurvedic alignment, offer diabetes management benefits. This integration supports stable blood sugar levels and well-being, laying the groundwork for further research and endorsing millets' role in diabetes dietary strategies.