Jean Grant-Sutton

It is becoming common knowledge that diabetes has become an epidemic disease in our country. Statistics show over 18 million Americans are affected.  This complex condition involves our bodies’ metabolic abilities to regulate and utilize insulin and glucose (sugar) in the body. In diabetes, an excess of glucose remains in the circulation and the proper function of insulin to lower glucose levels is not working. There are a number of types of diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is largely preventable and treatable through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Studies have shown that the regular practice of yoga  can benefit those with Type 2 diabetes. Yoga has shown to reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure, weight, the rate of progression to complications and the severity of the complications as well. The symptoms are also reduced and so is the number of diabetes related hospital admissions. Quality of life shows a marked improvement.  Yoga has been shown to be effective in helping people make the lifestyle changes needed to control this disease.

Stress plays a big role in glucagon secretion. Yoga effectively reduces stress by lowering cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenalin levels in the body. Forward bending poses have a calming effect on the body, as does child’s pose, knee down twist and some of the breathing exercises.

The belly down poses, like the bow and the cobra, produce a stretch on the pancreas and is found to help stimulate pancreatic function that is responsible for insulin production. Other poses that compress the abdomen will also help stimulate the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, like the  half-seated twist, and the plow.

A balanced yoga practice will put the emphasis on cultivating awareness, or mindfulness. This teaches a sensitivity to body signals, sensations, thoughts, emotions, etc., which

may be ultimately the biggest benefit to diabetics The overall relationship to the body/mind improves and helps  people connect directly to the cause and effect of their actions. They become responsive to the needs of their body.

Food choices have a huge impact on our body chemistry. The yogic diet, which is high in fiber, whole grains, legumes and vegetables, are just the right combination for helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and also encourage weight loss.

For diabetics it is important to choose foods like these that are low on the glycemic index.

Diabetes is a complex condition with a multitude of metabolic imbalances and it is important to be monitored by your medical professional before starting a yoga practice. Diabetes Type 2 is seen to be both preventable and treatable through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Yoga can be effective due to its emphasis on a healthy diet and it’s ancient bodywork system. It has the capacity to balance the endocrine system, massage and tone the abdominal organs, stimulate the nervous and circulatory systems and reduce stress.

You can find out more about Yoga, Diabetes and the studies that have been done by typing in those topics to your computer browser.

Jean Grant-Sutton is director of BodyWorks Integrative Yoga and Stress Management.

www.bodyworksyoga.com/