Constitutional Homeopathic Treatment in Cases of Pre-diabetes and Insulin Resistance at a Primary Health Centre: A Feasibility Study

Background: India, a recognized epicentre of the global diabetes mellitus pandemic, is witnessing an increasing number of people being diagnosed with pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. Having pre-diabetes initiates the long-term damage of diabetes, and without intervention it is likely to become type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less.

Aim: To assess the feasibility of constitutional homeopathic treatment along with therapeutic lifestyle changes in cases of pre-diabetes and insulin resistance.

Methods: Between 1st April 2014 and 29th July 2016, all patients who were diagnosed either with pre-diabetes [ICD10: R73.09; abnormal fasting blood glucose level (100–125 mg/dl), an elevated HbA1c level (between 5.7 and 6.4%), or an abnormal glucose tolerance test (140–199 mg/dl)] or with insulin resistance [ICD10: E88.81] at the World University Services Health Centre, South Campus, Delhi University (Primary Health Centre), were referred to the co-located Delhi Government Homeopathic Dispensary and enrolled after obtaining due consent. These registered patients were treated with constitutional homeopathic medicines along with therapeutic lifestyle changes and followed up every 4–6 weeks. They were not on any supplements or hormonal medications during the course of observation.

Results: Out of the 32 registered cases, results were analysed clinically and serologically in 25 [12 females and 13 males; aged 14 to 67 years] at 6-monthly intervals, based on the pre-defined inclusion criteria. 22 different remedies were prescribed in these cases, after individualization, in centesimal potencies. Only one person required the same remedy in LM potency due to failure of response to the centesimal. Serological markers normalized under homeopathic treatment in 88% of cases.

Conclusion: The results of the study suggest the feasibility of constitutional homeopathic treatment in cases of pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. However, a pragmatic comparative study would more effectively evaluate the role of homeopathic treatment in these clinical conditions.

Keywords: Pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, homeopathy

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).