Diabetes aka Ādya Roga - The first disease of the rich
- Martyna Bajer
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
In Sanskrit, Ādya Roga means the very first disease of the rich.
Interestingly, this is also how diabetes is called in the Ayurvedic books!
Only the wealthy in ancient India could afford daily indulgence in rich foods, oversleeping in the daytime, and lack of physical work. And so, diabetes became known as the disease of abundance, of possessions, and of attachment.
Science catches up with Ayurveda!
Modern science supports what Ayurveda long hinted at: that lifestyle patterns (even over generations) can leave a biological imprint. In India, researchers have found that people can inherit up to 80% of their risk of developing diabetes from their ancestors.
Even those who are not overweight can develop it, because the body “remembers” the lifestyle of abundance and passes that memory forward.
Scientists call this the “thrifty gene” effect: in ancient times, storing extra fat during periods of plenty helped people survive famine. But in today’s world of constant abundance, that same genetic programming has turned against us, increasing the risk of diabetes.
You don't have diabetes? Well - good for you! Still, this is super useful to know how to PREVENT IT and maybe to pass on the wisdom to someone who does suffer from it!
The Ayurvedic take on preventing diabetes can be summarized as LESS FOOD AND LESS "MONKEY MIND"!
When we overindulge in food and pleasures, or when our mind is overstimulated and restless, the between thoughts shrink. This mental restlessness reflects in the body: we eat more often, snack constantly, and seek stimulation. In contrast, when our consciousness is higher and calmer, the gaps between thoughts widen. The mind rests more, and so does the body. This is why those on spiritual paths often naturally need less food and eat only twice a day.
Beyond indulgence: Diabetes explained, Ayurvedically
Diabetes isn’t just about eating too much sugar or living in abundance, it develops from deeper metabolic imbalances:
1. Weak Agni (digestive fire): Food isn’t properly digested, creating Ama (toxins) that clog the tissues and slow metabolism.
2. Excess Kapha (heaviness): Kapha governs structure and fluids. When out of balance, it leads to heaviness, sluggish metabolism, and fluid buildup, creating fertile ground for diabetes.
3. Kleda increase (excess fluid & sugar): An accumulation of bodily fluids mixed with sugar and toxins destabilizes energy and blood sugar levels.
4. Vata imbalances (nervous system disruption): Mental overactivity and stress disturb Vata, which disrupts digestion, hormone balance, and metabolism.
A surprising fact about treating diabetes?
Not all “healthy” foods are ideal for preventing diabetes!
Ayurveda highlights a hidden trap: too much watery or liquid food, like raw watery vegetables, juices, or smoothies, can actually increase Kapha and Kleda, the very qualities that make blood sugar unstable! Watery foods are cooling and heavy on digestion when consumed in excess.
They can slow Agni (digestive fire), leaving undigested residues that turn into Ama (toxins). This makes the body sluggish, sticky, and more prone to sugar imbalances - exactly what we want to avoid in Ādya Roga.
The problem with medications alone...
As always, we want to address the ROOT CAUSE here! While insulin or other drugs can control blood sugar, they cannot fix these underlying imbalances:
They don’t strengthen Agni or clear Ama.
They don’t rebalance Kapha and Vata.
The root causes of diabetes remain, which is why symptoms and complications often persist despite medication.
Ayurveda addresses the full picture: digestion, metabolism, tissue health, and mental clarity. By tackling the root causes, it gives the body a chance to regulate sugar naturally, supporting better long-term health alongside modern treatments when needed.
🌿 Do you know someone struggling with diabetes or pre-diabetes?
Pass them this information - it might just give them a fresh perspective! And of course:
