Conquer Your Diabetes With Yoga

Centuries ago, the sage Patanjali compiled from much earlier traditions and presented to all mankind a structured knowledge in the form of the sutras (aphorisms) about Yoga. As 21 June is celebrated as International Yoga Day, the Diabetes Health team highlights how Yoga can be beneficial to your well-being.

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Diabetes Mellitus affects and afflicts people around the world. As per the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas Ninth edition 2019, 463 million people worldwide have Diabetes. Many of these people are at risk of suffering from chronic complications and early mortality.

With advancements in science and technology, several new medicines and insights into the causes of Diabetes and its complications have been discovered but then all these advances are unable to fully control the pandemic. Its incidence has risen enormously. Previously considered as a disease of the rich, it is also commonly seen in people below the poverty line especially in rural India.

Yoga - a tool of lifestyle management

Lifestyle intervention during the early years since diagnosis is critical for good Diabetes management. This is particularly useful as it delays the onset of complications associated with Diabetes. For people with diabetes or prediabetes, adopting a regular yoga routine in addition to other healthy lifestyle habits can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Diabetes occurs when the quality or quantity of the insulin produced is insufficient. In Type 1 Diabetes, insulin production stops entirely and the person has to take insulin injections to make up for the total lack of insulin. Other organs important in glucose metabolism are liver, intestines, muscles, and fat (especially central fat). Regular practice of yoga not only builds strength and flexibility but it also aids in blood circulation, fortifies the lungs and heart, calms the mind, reduces stress, helps you lose weight and keeps the body in balance. It is considered more beneficial for people with Type 2 Diabetes although there have been positive results for people with Type 1 Diabetes too.