Dr Jitendra Singh
The science of Yoga is an ancient one owing its origin to India. Of late, however, Yoga has become a subject of modern scientific evaluation even among the western researchers.
Specific Yoga “Asanas” useful in Diabetes are being identified and evaluated at different research centers across the world. For example, “Pranayama” practised for 30 minutes followed by “Shavasana” for 15 minutes daily over a period of one month has been shown to result in a significant fall in levels of fasting as well as post prandial Blood Sugar.
BENEFIT SEEN EVEN IN INSULIN DEPENDENT CASES
A number of studies reveal that optimum control of Diabetes can be achieved by practising certain Asanas like “Dhanurasana” and “Ardhamatasayendrasana.” While “Halasana,” “Vajrasana,” “Pachimotasana,” “Bhujangasana,” “Naukasana” etc have also been effective, when evaluated individually, “Dhanurasana” is found to be more effective.
The beneficial effects of Yoga on Diabetes are brought about by changes in the harmonal and biochemical profile, elimination of stress and instillation of a sense of discipline. Remarkably, these effects are seen not only in Type 2 Diabetes but also in Type 1 Diabetes where the affected individual is insulin dependent for life because of insufficient or absence of insulin production from pancreatic cells.
CONSEQUENT REDUCTION IN DOSE OF ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICATION
Long term follow-up studies show a significant fall in Blood Sugar levels in case of both Type-2 as well as Type-1 Diabetes. Continued practice of Yoga exercises leads to a steady, smooth and better control of Diabetes. On the other hand, those of the diabetics who discontinue Yogic practices for some time and then restart show poor control when Yogic exercises are discontinued with return to normal values after restarting the Yogic practices.
An important feature of the Yoga effect on Diabetes is a consequential reduction in the requirement of the dose of anti-diabetic tablets or Insulin. In borderline cases of Diabetes, regular continued practice of Yoga along with other non-medicinal measures like diet regulation can, in many cases, lead to total elimination of anti-diabetic tablets or Insulin injection. In other cases too, there is a welcome relief in the form of reduced number of tablets or units of Insulin injection.
An added or concomitant effect of Yoga is its positive effect on other important health parameters like blood pressure, body weight, lipid or cholestrol, heart etc.
In a nutshell, Yoga could prove to be an inexpensive, harmless and at the same time, an effective adjuvant to the treatment of Diabetes.
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