Dealing with Diabetes

[Guest guest]

I thought this was interesting...

Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

Dealing with Diabetes

 

Research has shown this chronic condition can be controlled and

greatly improved by conscientious lifestyle changes—i.e., weight

loss, diet, exercise—and in many ways yoga can help.

 

By Stacie Stukin

 

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/563_1.cfm

 

You probably don't think about diabetes—but you should. Diabetes can

strike people at almost any age. More than 16 million Americans are

affected—an increase of 33 percent from 1990 to 1998, according to

the Centers for Disease Control. Diabetes can lead to debilitating

or fatal complications, such as blindness, kidney disease, heart

disease, and amputations.While this may paint a bleak picture, the

outlook for diabetics is bright. Research has shown this chronic

condition can be controlled and greatly improved by conscientious

lifestyle changes—i.e., weight loss, diet, exercise—and in many ways

yoga can help.

 

There are two kinds of diabetes. Type 1 usually affects those under

the age of 30 and is caused by an autoimmune or genetic dysfunction

where the pancreas fails to release enough insulin, which is crucial

in breaking down sugar in the body. Type 2 diabetes, which affects

more than 90 percent of diabetics, is usually diagnosed in people

over 40 who are generally overweight and inactive. Unlike type 1,

the pancreas secretes enough insulin, but the body cannot

effectively use it.

 

Exercise is a big part of diabetes treatment because it increases

insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. A report in the New

England Journal of Medicine (May 3, 2001) found people at a higher

risk for contracting type 2 diabetes can reduce their chance of

getting the disease by 58 percent by losing as little as 10 pounds,

exercising, and adopting a healthy diet.

 

And many have turned to yoga to battle the emotional and physical

challenges of weight loss. Several Indian and European studies have

indicated yoga also may help reduce insulin-regulating medication by

lowering blood sugar levels. But because people under stress have

elevated blood sugar levels, it's difficult to determine whether

asanas and meditation work because they relax patients or because

specific poses stimulate the pancreas, causing it to release more

insulin.

 

Either way, some believe a yoga intervention has to transcend the

pancreas and insulin problem. " If you work just the pancreas and not

the other organs, then you do not create a balance, " says Shanti

Shanti Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D., who teaches Kundalini Yoga techniques to

diabetics. " Diabetes has to do with carbohydrate metabolism, so I

also advise rhythmic movements, like charnjap, a yogic form of

walking that involves breath and mantra and can improve metabolism. "

Yet it's important to keep in mind that yoga is but one component

for treatment. Says David Simon, M.D., of the Chopra Center in San

Diego: " Yoga can help, but diabetics need more; they need aerobic,

strength-building activities. "