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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.
Diabetes affects up to five percent fo the world population. In Western
Europe alone there are twelve million diabetics. Of course this
includes the three commonly known types of diabetes, Type I, Type II
and Gestational Diabetes. Of the three, the most heard about is the
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM. It is often referred
to as Type II. There are many factors that impact Type II including
genetic and lifestyle influences. While we may carry the genetic code
for diabetes, lifestyle changes can prevent the onset of Type II.
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.
The Article Author:
Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the
Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out
how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and
learn more about your solution for diabetes.
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