Will yoga help to control my Type 1 Diabetes?

by Jennifer
(Goodyear, AZ)

I am a Type 1 Diabetic and a mother of one. I had my daughter on November 5th of last year by cesarean. I am now a breastfeeding mother and am doing all that I can to control my Diabetes. Since I have had my daughter my need and want to be healthy and simply survive has been overwhelming.

I know that Yoga cannot cure my juvenile diabetes, but can Yoga and a Yoga diet help to get better control of my diabetes and cut down on the risk of complications associated with diabetes (such as kidney disease)? I understand that you are not a doctor and I will be consulting with her, but what information do you have on the subject?

Thank you for your time :)


Answer

It is agreed that yoga is quite effective against Type II diabetes. However, yoga practice can also help to effectively manage Type I diabetes.

Yoga practice will improve your health in any case and it will help you to manage your diabetes in a better way. Yoga works on the mind and body, improves working of endocrine glands, aids stress reduction and improve blood circulation. However, the path of yoga is a disciplined path and regular practice is required.

Yoga practice should focus to achieve following health benefits associated with yoga which will aid with diabetes management:
~ Stress Reduction
~ Weight Reduction
~ Keep Blood Pressure Under Control
~ Keep Cholesterol Under Control

In addition to yoga, you have to take charge of your life and ensure the following:
~ Strict Diet Control
~ Lifestyle changes to lead an active life
~ Avoid alcohol intake/ smoking
~ Get plenty of sleep
~ Reorganise your priorities in life, work efficiently with an aim to reduce stress.

Yoga practice to consist of :
~ Asanas : Yogamudrasana, Mandukasana, Ardh Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
~ Pranayama : Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, Anulom Vilom, Bhramri
~ Meditation
~ Relaxation Techniques : Shavasana and Yoga Nidra

I suggest you learn yoga from an experienced teacher. But in case you want to try on your own, you can start with
~ sit in sukhasana and do rhythmic breathing (5-10 minutes),
~ lie down in shavasana (3-4 minutes),
~ sit on sukhasana, vajrasana or padmasana for stillness of mind meditation
(10 minutes)
~ lie down in shavasana and do yoga nidra (10 minutes).

In addition to yoga, you may consider long walks or any other exercise in case you need to lose weight.

Hope this helps. Please do let me know about your experience with yoga.

Namaste
Daljit


References
Yoga Nidra

Yoga Poses

Yogic Diet

Yoga Breathing