Yoga for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic and complex metabolic disorder caused by malfunction of the pancreas. It is such a condition in which the pancreas either fails to produce adequate insulin or it produces enough insulin but the cells of our body can’t utilize the insulin properly. In such a situation, the glucose levels in the bloodstream are considerably higher than usual.

Our metabolism changes food into fuel and delivers it to the hungry cells. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells. To make energy, the cells need food in a very simple form. When we eat or drink, it is broken down into a simple sugar called glucose. The blood and blood vessels carry glucose from the stomach or the liver to our muscles or our cells

Glucose cannot enter the cells by itself. This task is rather done by insulin. The pancreas does the work of producing insulin and release into the blood. Insulin serves as the helper and releases glucose into the cells to be used as energy.

When glucose leaves the bloodstream and enters the cells, the blood glucose level automatically gets lowered. Low glucose is a yardstick of diabetes. Without insulin, glucose cannot get into the cells for use as energy. This causes the retention of much glucose in the blood. This is also regarded as ‘high blood sugar’ or diabetes.
The diabetics should do some Yogic exercises daily besides medication and diet as these help control blood sugar level. They should also not miss relaxation so that it is easy for them to vent out physical, mental and emotional stress caused by various means. The practice of Yogasans, Pranayams, Subtle Body Relaxation and Meditation will back the patient to eliminate stress very easily and naturally.

Yogasans not only control diabetes, but it also helps maintain overall health. It can be any physical activity that consumes huge amount of energy over a period of time. The muscles are preserved and toned, the heart and blood vessels are exercised well and even the efficiency of the lungs is improved.

Diabetics are provided additional benefits by yogasans especially by bringing the sensitivity of the body cells to the action of insulin. Fat plumpy cells are anti to the action of insulin and hence demands greater quantities of insulin to keep the blood sugar under control. This increased sensitivity makes it possible for the cells of the body to use glucose more easily.

Yogasans are also able to lower the levels of fat, such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. For this reason, a daily exercise can also be a plus point to reduce weight for fat people. Psychologically too, there are several effects such as they back to reduce or root out stress.

Besides yogasans, a diabetic can participate in an activity, which consumes a huge amount of energy over a period of time, such as fast walking, running, jogging, bicycling, skipping, etc. These activities help maintain good blood glucose control. However, Yoga is the best package among all these for the diabetic as it provides wholesome exercise for the body and mind. In the beginning, Yoga can be started with 20-30 minutes duration. Slowly it can be increased to at least one hour daily.