What is Diabetes and how can yoga help?

According to the WHO, diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It results in disturbed carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. The main types include Type 1 (deficient production) and Type 2 (ineffective use of insulin).

In layman’s terms, it is a problem of the digestive system. Sugar/glucose is not properly absorbed by the body; therefore, it continues to circulate in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, no insulin is produced, and in type 2, the insulin produced is insufficient for the victim’s current lifestyle. In type 2, the body becomes insulin-resistant, so cells are unable to take up glucose from the blood. Insulin is the hormone secreted by our pancreas that acts as a transporter of glucose from the blood to cells for further processing.

Blood tests are done to check our blood sugar levels at various times of the day. One can also do an HbA1c test every 3 to 4 months to find out the average sugar levels during this period.

Symptoms of Diabetes:

  • Weaknesses
  • Continuously hungry
  • Thirsty
  • Fatigue
  • Time to recover from infections
  • Frequency of urination
  • Breathlessness
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Sudden weight fluctuations
  • Eyesight issues

 

Common Causes of Diabetes

When we know what has caused the problem, it becomes easier to find a solution.

  • Genetic
  • Substance abuse
  • Old age
  • Lack of exercise
  • Unhealthy food
  • Obesity
  • Sleep disorders
  • Work-life imbalances
  • Stress, worry, depression, some gripping fear

 

Diabetes is a psychosomatic disease. Stress releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These are good in the short term because they help us make decisions during a fight-or-flight response. But if the levels of these hormones remain chronically high, that’s when they become a problem. In the long term, they can impair organ functions.

 

How to prevent diabetes?

If we follow a disciplined, balanced lifestyle, it is entirely possible to avoid this disease. It’s a universal truth that everyone knows, yet people undermine the consequences of failing to follow it.

One can easily prevent falling into the trap of diabetes by following lifestyle changes :

  • Taking enough sleep
  • Following a proper diet
  • Exercising diet control
  • Physical exercise
  • Avoid substance abuse
  • Effective stress management

How can Yoga help Diabetes Management and reversal?

Once you have diabetes, it requires strong motivation and willpower to discipline your mind, to manage eating habits, and to manage stress. Diabetes is a progressive disease, which means if we do not manage it with significant lifestyle changes (even if one is on medication), it will continue to manifest itself strongly in the body. Research has shown that significant weight loss has helped many individuals around the world successfully reverse their diabetes. Diabetes reversal does not mean your body starts processing sugar the same way as before the disease; rather, it means we adapt to the changes in our bodies and adjust accordingly to avoid excess blood sugar. This does not mean a total ban on sweets! No, people can enjoy occasional cheat days without significantly affecting their blood sugar levels.

Yoga has so many elements that will help strengthen our mind and our body.

  • Shatkarmas : Yogic scriptures give us knowledge of six kriyas which lead to detoxification and cleanse our bodies. Jal neti, kunjal kriya, shankha prakshalana, agnisaar kriya and many practices help us flush out toxins, excess fat and mucus.
  • Pranayama: Breathing techniques like Anulom/Vilom, Pranayamas like Nadi Shodhan and Kapalbhati help clean our energy channels, allow deep respiration, and enable effective use of oxygen in our body.
  • Helpful Asanas for diabetes: There are many asanas that help activate our pancreas and support effective insulin production. These asanas, if done regularly, nonstop, and for a considerable period of time, are extremely helpful in reactivating pancreatic function. Asanas in Suryanamaskaras, mandukasana, vajrasana, vakrasana,dhanurasana, ardha matsyendra asana are some of the asanas one should do regularly. Read here more about asanas for diabetes management.
  • Bandhas: Uddiyana bandha is especially helpful in activating abdominal organs. Bandhas literally means lock. Locking our breath to the abdominal area helps the digestive system improve and activate itself, leading to effective regulation of digestive functions.

Make a decision today. Take up yoga to manage your diabetes and start your journey to a medicine free disease free life. Diabetes attracts other diseases like high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, eye issues, to name a few.