Reverse Diabetes & Anti Aging With Yoga

Diabetes is a life style disease caused by imbalance in the body. By adopting a balanced diet, a 60 mins session of Yoga practice in the morning and a 30 minutes session of pranayama and meditation in the evening, we can prevent or control diabetes.
 
The metabolic disorder of the body involving inappropriate increase in the blood glucose level and deficiency in insulin is called Diabetic mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) literally means “sweet urine”. Diabetes mellitus is bifurcated into Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes attacks the immune system and incapacitates the insulin- producing cells in pancreas. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes, which is typically caused by lifestyle, is a condition where the body still produces small amount of insulin although not effective to keep up with the blood sugar level.  
Here are some characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes:

  • Type 2 Diabetes is more common.
  • It is called adult- onset diabetes as it occurs after the age of 40.
  • Type 2 Diabetes does not require additional insulin.
  • The insulin level may be normal or even above normal.
  • It occurs due to inability of the cells to utilize the insulin because of impaired functioning of their receptors, a condition called as insulin resistance.
The causative factors of Type 2 diabetes are:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood triglyceride(fat) levels
  • Gestational diabetes
  • High alcohol intake
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity or overweight

Managing Diabetes Mellitus with Yoga

Yoga is an ideal solution for Type 1 as well as Type 2 diabetes. Regular practice of Yoga Asanas enhances insulin administration which helps in managing Insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). In Non-Insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) cases, Yoga asanas, as they are high intensity workouts, help in normalizing the blood sugar level and improve the pulmonary functions. In the initial phase, the patient can practice Yoga even without stopping the mediations or insulin shots. Gradually, as one makes progress, he can slowly reduce the medicine intake after consulting the physician.

Yoga helps in increasing the glucose utilisation in the body and normalizes the blood glucose level. Furthermore, it helps one to attain the ideal body weight, develops stamina, and provides one with a sense of well- being.