It’s estimated that about 18 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and 5.2 % of them are undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated. This disease which afflicts so many working, busy people can be treated in a variety of ways–through medications, diet, exercise, and yes, even yoga.
Diabetes causes the body to stop producing or using insulin, appropriately. Insulin is a hormone which converts sugar, starches and other food into energy. Lots of factors cause diabetes, including a lack of exercise, obesity, poor diet, and genetics. Stress can even cause diabetes. Stress increases the blood glucose levels and the risk for Heart Disease, stroke, and infections.
Many doctors recommend yoga to their diabetes patients, knowing that this gentle, gradual type of exercise is very suitable for obese individuals with joint pain and a lack of flexibility and stamina. Many health care professionals believe the poses help balance the endocrine system, tone and abdominal muscles and stimulate the nervous and circulatory system. Circulation problems often accompany diabetes. Easing the stress level through regular yoga practice can also have a huge impact on the way diabetes affects a person’s system.
Yoga affects the mind, body, and spirit, creativing a more healthy overall person. Since stress levels, inactivity, and poor circulation are such a regularly attributed aspect of diabetes, it simply makes sense for those who are dealing with the disease to give yoga a try.
