Diabetes, also known as ‘madhumeha’ in ancient Indian texts, is becoming a major health epidemic worldwide. Especially in the US, India, South Asia, and some Mediterranean countries. Diabetes is no longer restricted to those with a genetic predisposition but is a full-fledged ‘lifestyle disease’ that can affect anyone.
What Causes Diabetes?
Apart from genetics, there are other reasons for diabetes, some are listed below:
- Incorrect eating (overeating) and sleeping habits.
- Lack of physical activity and exercise of some form.
- Air pollution is now established as a major cause that brings metabolic changes and causes diabetes.
- Pollutants and hormones in foods, especially in processed non-vegetarian foods and vegetables grown using chemicals.
- Combining certain food groups causes diabetes. For example combining beef or red meat with dairy products, milk or yogurt.
- Stress can cause blood sugar imbalance.
- Alcohol, even in moderation, and substance abuse cause insulin imbalance.
Why Worry About Diabetes?
Diabetes by itself is not a disease. It is actually a symptom that there is an imbalance in the body. If we do not take action to change our lifestyles or eating habits, then a lot of other diseases can occur. Therefore, controlling your sugar or correcting the insulin-glucose imbalance is important.
Is Diabetes Curable Or Reversible?
Until now the popular belief was that diabetes remains with you forever. However, there are many interventions available in conjunction with regular medications that help manage diabetes.
Alternate therapies like naturopathy. Ayurveda also has medication for diabetes. Methi seeds, also known as fenugreek seeds, is an example. It can be consumed in various forms and it helps control blood sugar.
Effective management ensures that one’s health does not deteriorate.
Yoga And Diabetes Research
There has been a lot of research on yoga and its impact on diabetes. Multiple studies were done in India which show that most diabetics manage to reduce their blood sugar in just six months with regular yoga practice. Most of them reduce their blood sugar levels by half and more than a third reach normal sugar levels.
Many with type 2 diabetes are able to reduce their insulin intake while others go completely off insulin and some others manage it with a tablet a day.
A recent study concluded by Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, noted that people with borderline diabetes or pre-diabetics reverted to normal or did not deteriorate for as long as 10 to 15 years; without any medication! They were taken through a yoga program and had to practice regularly (at least, 4 to 5 times a day for a minimum of 6 months to a year in a row).
This clearly underscores the importance of yoga for treating diabetes. There are many asanas and techniques which one can practice to manage diabetes. Two of the best practices are given below.
