Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise in the body. The condition is categorized as Type 1 and Type 2, in Type 1 the production of insulin is impaired and Type 2 there’s either resistance to insulin or production is impaired.
Insulin transfers glucose into cells which is utilized to produce energy, that’s why people with diabetes feel lethargic and tired, in spite of being well rested and consuming the right nutrients.
Insulin plays a vital role in fat and protein metabolism as well.
If diabetes is not managed at the right time, some of its long term effects can be fatal. It can damage the nerves, kidneys, eyes, cause cardiac issues and increase blood pressure.
Yoga for diabetes can improve the functionality of the pancreas and strengthen them. Therefore it helps to increase the amount and regulate insulin level.
But diabetes can be managed only to an extent that you may not need medication.
However, curing it completely even through yoga might not be possible in many cases, but many symptoms can be managed with the practice of Yoga postures and breath-work.
Benefits of Yoga for Diabetes patients are as follows:
- Improves functionality and activates pancreas to regulate insulin production.
- Improve blood sugar levels
- Increase oxygen levels and remove toxins from the blood.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Strengthens and conditions all major muscle groups.
- It can reduce body weight which is very vital to keep diabetes under check.
Yoga Postures for diabetes are:
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Seated Forward Fold – Paschim Uttan asana
The seated forward fold improves the functioning of the pancreas and other visceral organs as well like liver, kidney and spleen. Therefore, it helps in regulating blood sugar levels to a vast extent.
The seated forward fold also soothes the nervous system and has a very calming effect on the mind that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
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Triangle Pose – Trikona asana
This standing posture is performed with going into a lateral bend, due to the side bend the organs situated in both the sides get massaged and it helps in the process of detoxification as well.
The practice of this pose improves bone strength and improves blood circulation to the abdominal organs and strengthens the spine as well. It also helps in reducing visceral fat in the abdominal region.
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Sitting Half Spinal Twist – Ardha Matsyendra asana
Twisting postures in yoga are considered very beneficial as it increases blood circulation in the abdominal region therefore improves their functioning.
It also helps release the residual tension in the lower back and strengthens the spinal nerves. The practice of this posture also boosts metabolic activity.
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leg up the wall pose – Viprita Karani asana
This is an inversion pose that’s perfect to help you relax. Performing this pose, under supervision, is also known to help lower stress which, in turn, helps lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The leg up the wall pose also helps relieve headaches and increase circulation.
Steps to perform this pose:
- Lay down with your tail bone perpendicular to a wall
- Relax your neck, chin, and throat.
- Stretch your arms out to the side with your palms facing up.
- And, raise your legs against the wall
- Remain in this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.
- Release by slowly sliding your legs down to the side.
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Bow pose – Dhanur asana
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It improves the functioning of pancreas and intestines. Thus, it helps in regulating the blood sugar levels to a vast extent.
As a result of which, the liver, pancreas, and enzyme creating organs will function actively. To perform Dhanurasana, you must lie on your stomach with your feet width apart and your arms by the side of your body and fold your knees, hold your ankles.
Then, breathe in, lift your chest off the ground. And, pull your legs up and back. Thereafter, curve your lips to perfectly match the curve of your body. You may continue to take long deep breaths as you relax in this pose.
The sun salutation is a series of postures performed in a flow that increases the heart rate in a controlled manner. Regular practice of sun salutation increases oxygen supply and blood circulation within the body.
Sun salutations work on the major muscle groups in the body that improve the muscular system, mobility, and aids weight loss as it creates heat within the body.
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