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by: JuliaHanf
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It is widely known that exercise helps combat the symptoms of diabetes. Along with nutrition modifications, it helps diabetics lead healthier lives thereby avoiding serious complications associated with the disease. Recommended forms of exercise vary according to a person's interests and abilities. Exercise works to lower blood glucose or blood sugar levels by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin and using glucose as fuel. In addition, exercise can reduce stress level which has been linked to diabetes.

Yoga has shown some beneficial results in curing diabetes. The yoga exercises that are prescribed for curing diabetes is different from hatha yoga exercise because it involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as meditation, relaxation and stretching exercises.

Diabetes affects up to five percent of the world population. It is continually increasing in numbers daily. There are three commonly known types of diabetes, Type I, Type II and Gestational diabetes. Of the three, the most widely publicized is the noninsulin-depended diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM, commonly known as Type II. There are many factors that contribute to the onset of diabetes including lifestyle and genetic factors. While genetic factors predispose an individual to develop the disease, healthy choices are the key in preventing the onset of diabetes. Increasing activity that helps maintain healthy weight and stress levels is a crucial part of any prevention or management plan.

Yoga is just one of the exercises that positively influences diabetes. Regular practice can lower stress, reduce weight, lower blood pressure and increase insulin sensitivity at the cellular level. Yoga poses that assist the body's secretion of toxic biocellular waste and maintain healthy endocrine systems have been prescribed to combat the symptoms of diabetes. Research conducted at the Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded by biochemist Dr. Robin Monro in conjunction with the Indian Yoga Research Foundation concluded that 30-minutes of yoga practice per day over one month reduced blood glucose levels in a portion of diabetics.

Participants of the study attended one or two 90-minute sessions per week. In addition, they were asked to practice for 30 minutes at home, daily. The center based classes included such poses as the spinal twist, the bow and abdominal breathing. Meditation and relaxation techniques were also incorporated for reducing stress. A control group was established to compare results between the yoga study participants and diabetics under typical conditions.

After twelve weeks, blood sugar levels in the yoga group participants, as recorded throughout the study, dropped significantly. The control group's blood sugar levels remained the same or slightly increased in comparison to the yoga study group. The yoga participants were successful in managing their diabetes through the use of yoga. Three participants reduced medication dosage, including a male who had been taking the same dose for twenty years.

While yoga is not necessarily a rigorous physical exercise, its benefits are undeniable. The stress level reduction component is of utmost importance, as well as decreasing blood sugar levels. In addition, maintaining healthy respiratory, circulatory, and endocrinal systems are essential to everyone, especially those suffering from diabetes. Yoga has been found to do that and more. It may not be for everyone, but yoga is another alternative for living a health-conscious lifestyle while managing diabetes.