As a long time advocate of yoga, a student and teacher I am always intrigued to hear how yoga has benefited students. People with multiple sclerosis, migraines, high blood pressure, and depression have shared how yoga has helped their conditions and their lives.

A pleasant affirmation to the benefits of how practicing yoga can help regulate blood sugar levels, a key to the prevention of diabetes was reported in the Yoga Journal (June 2005). Richard Surwit, PH.C. Vice chairman of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Centre is researching the effect of stress on blood sugar. His results show practicing regular relaxation techniques significantly controls blood glucose levels.

Understanding diabetes
Diabetes develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t effectively use the insulin it does produce. The body needs insulin to break down sugar for energy.

There are three types of diabetes:

• Type 1 usually develops in children, teenagers and young adults. The pancreas no longer produces insulin which the body requires. This type of diabetes is not preventable and is treated with insulin. 10% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces. It often develops in overweight adults and with the rise of obesity in children they are prone as well. Preventable, delayed and/or reversible. 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes – occurs in 2% to 4% of women during pregnancy and usually disappears after the birth. 

Western and Eastern medical research
‘The effects of exercise and yoga on diabetes’, a medical research survey by Marshall Govindan MA and Dr. Emilia Ripoll-Bunn, MD shows Western medical research has focused on diabetes only as a physical disorder, requiring only physical intervention. It confirms that regular physical exercise has beneficial effects for both types 1 and 2 diabetes. For those genetically predisposed to type 2, it could prevent its development. These studies recommend exercising and reducing caloric intake to control body weight and improve circulation.

Other clinical research from India recognizes diabetes as a psychosomatic disorder caused by sedentary habits, physical, emotional and mental stress and strain. It has studied the beneficial effects of a yoga practice, which is much more than a physical exercise.

The benefits of yoga
Yoga addresses the whole person: physical, emotional, mental, intellectual and spiritual. This is achieved through gentle movements, relaxation, breathing, lifestyle attitudes and meditation. Many studies from India, the home of yoga, have confirmed yoga postures can rejuvenate insulin producing cells in the pancreas of those with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Practicing the postures in a relaxed manner, without exertion; yogic meditation and breathing can help most patients control some of the causes of diabetes.

In addition to these reasons practicing yoga makes you feel good as well as powerful. With each class your body evolves, stretching your limits making you the master of your own body and its healing. There is a sense of feeling more connected with yourself. The tiny miracle is your body will change for the better no matter what physical shape you are in.

When looking for a yoga instructor:

• Be sure the yoga instructor is certified, find out their qualifications
• Talk to the instructor about any conditions or concerns you have. Ensure they’re able to offer different levels of poses, so you’re assured you can participate at your comfort level
• Ask if the instructor assists with poses. Not just demonstrating, but helping students execute each pose correctly to avoid injury
• Check the length of the class. A one hour class is short and may feel rushed. You want to ensure your class includes a centering process at the beginning to get grounded along with some breathing techniques; and a lengthy relaxation at the end to feel stress-free when you leave.   H&L