Supplementary Material for: Ayurveda for a type 1 diabetes patient with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)

Introduction: The effect of Ayurvedic therapy in type 2 diabetes (t2d) is well documented. For people with type 1 diabetes (t1d), there is little evidence on the applicability of Ayurvedic therapy. This case illustrates the course of Ayurvedic treatment in a person with t1d accompanied by peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Case presentation: The patient had insulin-dependent t1d since the age of 6 years. At 39 years of age, he developed progressive bilateral peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of the femoral arteries. He presented claudication symptoms at a walking distance of 150m. 10 surgical interventions for recanalization have been performed. The PAOD put heavy psychological strains on the patient. He developed moderate depression with anxiety and complains of tinnitus and sleep disturbances. Through an initial outpatient Ayurvedic treatment focused on dietary and lifestyle changes, phytotherapeutics and a subsequent 6-week inpatient Ayurvedic treatment in India, a weight reduction of 12 kg, a reduction in insulin requirement to 65% of baseline, as well as a walking performance without restriction at medium load could be achieved. The depression and inner tension completely retreated, one-sided tinnitus, and existing sleep disturbances dissolved completely. The lasting effect was still perceptible 5 months after the inpatient stay. Conclusions: For this person with t1d with PAOD, outpatient and inpatient Ayurvedic therapy could generate a significant improvement of his situation. The case demonstrates that people with t1d can benefit from individualized Ayurvedic therapy. This case motivates to invest in Ayurvedic research for people with t1d and complications.