More Choices, More Chances
By Julia Hanf | June 5, 2008
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Diabetes in various forms affects up to 5percent of the world population with 12 million diabetics in Western Europe alone. Of the different ways in which diabetes presents, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most commonly encountered genetic disease. NIDDM or Type II diabetes is multifactorial, depending also on environmental factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyles and nutritional imbalances.
At the Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded by biochemist Dr. Robin Monro in conjunction with the Indian Yoga Research Foundation, studies were conducted to measure the effects of yoga practice on diabetic participants. What they found was that practicing yoga for just 30 minutes a day helps reduce blood sugar levels and alleviate stress. It was expected to find the blood sugar level reduction because exercise can greatly impact the conversion of sugar to energy and insulin sensitivity. However, what was discovered regarding stress, the diabetic and yoga,was just as beneficial.
In the study, two groups were formed. A control group of diabetics and a yoga practice group. The control group underwent no changes in routine or diet. The yoga group attended a 90 minute yoga session once or twice a week. In addition, each yoga group participant was asked to practice 30 minutes per day at their convenience. At the end of the study, all yoga group participants had lowered blood sugar levels. Three participants were able to reduce the required amount of medication needed to control their diabetes. Interestingly, participants’ stress levels decreased, while feelings of well being increased. How would that influence diabetes?
The yoga patients took part in one or two 90-minute sessions a week and were asked to practice at home. The classes included the specific yoga exercises of the spinal twist, the bow and abdominal breathing.
At the end of the 12 weeks blood sugar levels fell significantly in all patients in the group and were slightly raised in a control group which had not joined in the yoga sessions. Three yoga students managed to reduce their medication, including one man who had not changed his drug regime for 20 years.
After twelve weeks, blood sugar levels in the yoga group participants, as recorded throughout the study, dropped significantly. The control group’s blood sugar levels remained the same or slightly increased in comparison to the yoga study group. The yoga participants were successful in managing their diabetes through the use of yoga. Three participants reduced medication dosage, including a male who had been taking the same dose for twenty years.
In the past, diabetics confronted with the disease may have been given the impression that strenuous, rigorous exercise was the only way to combat their rising blood sugar levels. Now, the opportunity to practice a gentle, mindful form of exercise has risen and been proven to help diabetics. Maintaining healthy respiratory, circulatory and endocrinal systems are important for everyone’s health. Yoga helps restore balance, inside and out.
Topics: Nutrition |
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