Yoga for diabetes mellitus

Abstract

There are different approaches to yoga including spiritual, therapeutic, and developmental. However, the underlying premise of mind–body exercise modalities like yoga is that the physiological state of the body can affect emotions, thoughts, and attitudes, which in turn have a reciprocal effect on the body. Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide as we enter the new millennium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented there is ‘an apparent epidemic of diabetes, which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change’. Over the next decade the projected number will exceed 200 million. Most will have type-2 diabetes, and all are at risk for the development of complications. Diabetes represents a spectrum of metabolic disorders, which has become a major health challenge worldwide. The unprecedented economic development and rapid urbanization in Asian countries, particularly in India, China and Sri Lanka has led to a shift in health problems from communicable to non communicable diseases. Of all the non-communicable diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases lead the list. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation regarding yoga for diabetes mellitus, and explore the possible strategies that could be effective in combating the spread and focus on human being for healthy life. Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing, exercise and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research shows that yoga therapy is among effective complementary therapies for several common ailments. Hence it has been concluded that Yoga cannot “cure” diabetes, but there are several ways yoga can be beneficial in controlling diabetes. If medically prescribed regimens are followed by diabetic patient, they can safely add yoga to their treatment. Due to the potential impact on their glucose levels, and overall body function, great strides can be made through regular committed yoga practice. Therefore, regular practice of yoga may prevent and control the status of diabetes mellitus and produce optimum healthy population.