Diagnosis of Neerizhivu Mathumeham (Diabetes Mellitus Type 2) using the Siddha and modern diagnostic methods - A cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

Siddha Medicine, is an oldest traditional medical system, describes Neerizhivu Madhumeham (NM), is often compared with diabetes mellitus (DM). The Siddha system of medicine incorporates a unique set of diagnostic procedures. Modern medical practices have utilized biomedical knowledge to diagnose diseases. Yet comparative diagnostic analysis between both systems remains limited.  The purpose of the study is to examine the connection between Siddha and modern diagnostic approaches for NM. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai (GSMCP), Government District Headquarters Hospital, Thoothukudi, and Gopalasamudram village, India. Sixty patients diagnosed with DM, aged 18-64 years, were randomly selected based on selection criteria. Written informed consent was acquired from each participant, and the study received ethical approval from the GSMCP Ethics Committee. Patients underwent diagnostic assessments using Siddha (neerkuri, neikuri, nadi, and manikkadai), and modern (urine full report and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)) diagnostic techniques. Data analysis was employed using standard statistical methods. The findings revealed that the Seerana pakkuva neer type of urine was associated with low FPG (199.6±15.4 mg/dL). Lower FPG was observed in patients with Vathapiththam and Piththavatham. A significant correlation was detected between neikuri (P=0.02), nadi (P=0.015), with FPG. A movement ‘Pendulum’ of nadi was noted in all DM patient. Elevated manikkadai nool values may serve as an indicator of poor glycaemic control. The study suggests that neikuri and nadi could be serve as a diagnostic tool for DM. However, further comprehensive studies are necessary prior to clinical practice.