Yoga is a
popular practice that many people find beneficial for their health. It acts as
a good form of exercise and may reduce stress. But could it also help people
with diabetes to manage their condition?
People with diabetes need
to carefully manage their blood sugar levels as they may become too high. This
happens because the body doesn't make enough insulin, or the body can't use insulin efficiently.
Without
insulin, the sugar in the blood does not reach the body's cells, and it builds
up in the blood. Over time, having too much glucose in the blood leads to
health problems.
There is
currently no cure for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes can be
managed to a large degree by a healthful diet and regular exercise.
This article
looks at how yoga can
help people with diabetes.
Yoga for diabetes
People have
practiced yoga for thousands of years, and it has gained mainstream popularity
in recent years.
According to a
2016 Yoga in America study, yoga practitioners are on
the rise, with more than 36 million today, up from just 20 million in 2012.
Yoga has been
shown to improve physical and mental well-being by:
Lowering stress levels
A study in the
journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that
yoga can improve specific chemical balances in the brain to help reduce stress levels.
This is
important for people who have diabetes because some evidence suggests that
stress may play a role in the onset and management of diabetes, according to a
review in Diabetes
Spectrum.
Improving
emotional well-being
Practicing yoga can help
people to develop deep breathing ability and the mind-body connection.
This is a form
of mindfulness that helps people to stay in the
present moment, which may reduce anxiety and
improve emotional well-being.
Improving
strength and balance
Most yoga
practices involve a number of poses that improve a person's strength,
flexibility, and balance.
Improving
heart health
A review in
the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation states
that "yoga can be beneficial" in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Yoga can be
modified to an individual's fitness level and ability. This makes it an
attractive choice for people who are just beginning a workout plan. It is also
low-impact and can often be done at home with little cost involved.
Several
medical studies and journal articles suggest that yoga may help people with
diabetes, improving their health in a number of ways.
An article in
the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism states
that yoga "holds promise" as an effective therapy for diabetes
because:
·
A study showed significant
improvement in the quality of life for people with diabetes who regularly
practiced yoga.
·
Yoga's holistic approach to
combining physical exercise with other healthy changes, such as diet,
relaxation, and stress management, can help people with diabetes.
·
Some types of yoga can provide
a cardiovascular workout, making it a heart-healthy option.
An article in
the Journal
of Yoga and Physical Therapy found that practicing
seated yoga for 10 minutes on a regular basis improved:
·
fasting blood glucose levels
·
heart rate and diastolic blood pressure
The study was
looking specifically at people who were severely ill with diabetes. Although
the study was small, it suggests that combining yoga with other necessary
medical care can improve health in people with diabetes.
The following
yoga poses, known as asanas, help with:
·
stress reduction
·
strength
·
flexibility
All of these
benefits can improve quality of life for a person who has diabetes. The seven
poses described below are appropriate for all levels of fitness and ability.
So, as soon as an individual has been given a doctor's approval to start
exercise, they can begin straightaway.
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