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The media wing of the Union Ayush Ministry has shared with the Chennai Bureau of the Pharmabiz that the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Bengaluru, a distinguished Centre of Excellence in Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus), successfully conducted a special, comprehensive programme titled ‘Madhumeha Vimarsha’ on World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2025.
This proactive step by the Ministry highlights its commitment to disseminating crucial research and clinical advancements in integrative healthcare, particularly Ayurveda, to specialized pharmaceutical and health media. The event, held as planned in Bengaluru, underscored the institute's successful implementation of traditional wisdom alongside modern scientific methods to combat the growing incidence of diabetes.
The core focus of the Madhumeha Vimarsha programme was the development and practical application of an integrative approach for the prevention and effective management of diabetes. This unique methodology systematically combines the therapeutic principles of Ayurveda with disciplined practices of Yoga and necessary lifestyle interventions. Through the commitment to this integrated model, CARI Bengaluru has been able to make significant progress in clinical care, with approximately 6,000 patients having already utilized the Institute’s services. Furthermore, demonstrating a strong social mandate, the Centre noted that over 25 per cent of these beneficiaries belong to the economically weaker sections (EWS).
Beyond the sphere of direct clinical care, the Centre of Excellence has dramatically enhanced its accessibility through robust digital health initiatives. This digital outreach has been instrumental in supporting a substantial population, benefiting over 6 lakh people through resources such as e-medical records, teleconsultations, SMS alerts, and vital information available on the official CARI website (www.cari.gov.in) and various social media platforms. This successful integration of technology exemplifies how traditional healthcare institutions are modernizing to provide continuous, widespread, and effective patient support.
A significant technological achievement highlighted during the program is the development of a sophisticated, machine learning-based predictive system for assessing individual diabetes risk. This innovative system has been granted copyright protection and is currently undergoing critical validation via a dedicated web application. The immediate plan includes its transformation into a practical, accessible mobile application, designed to empower individuals to engage in proactive health monitoring and management. Dr. Sulochana Bhat, incharge, CARI Bengaluru, articulated the Institute’s philosophy, stating the focus has been on ‘combining traditional wisdom with scientific research to address diabetes in a holistic yet evidence-based manner’.
The event itself was enriched by expert lectures, notably a session on ‘Holistic Management of Madhumeha’ delivered by Prof. Dr. G G Gangadharan, former director of Ramiah Indic Speciality Ayurveda Restoration Hospital. These scholarly discussions reinforced the effectiveness of integrated healthcare in both preventing onset and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by diabetes. The Centre also confirmed ongoing crucial collaborative studies with esteemed scientific bodies, including CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, and IISc Bengaluru, focusing specifically on selected food products and designated ayurvedic formulations.
CARI continues to contribute substantially to academic literature and structured medical knowledge. The Institute has successfully developed an integrated framework for the prevention and management of Madhumeha, which is currently ‘in press’, marking a major milestone in standardizing the approach to the disorder. Additionally, a pivotal study exploring the relationship between Prakriti (ayurvedic constitutional types) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy is also nearing publication. These scientific outputs demonstrate the evidence-based rigor underpinning the Centre’s practice.
Ultimately, the Madhumeha Vimarsha programme perfectly reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Ayush to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based strategies for managing lifestyle-related disorders like diabetes.
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