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YOGA AND DIABETES MELLITUS
INTRODUCTION
The science of yoga is an ancient one.
A RICH HERITAGE
It has a rich heritage and is a part of our culture. It has become the
subject of modern scientific evaluation resulting in the recognition of some of
its influences on the human body and metabolism. Several old books make a
mention of the usefulness of yoga in the treatment of certain diseases, such as
diabetes, hypertension, bronchial asthma, obesity etc.,
WHAT YOGA DOES
Since physical exercise is known to influence several body functions which
may be different from what yoga does. Yoga programs, which train large muscle
groups, result in an increase in maximal oxygen uptake, decrement of submaximal
heart rate and an augmentation of the stroke volume. They also result in
metabolic changes, such as reduction in blood lipid levels and a decrease in
blood lactate concentration during sub maximal work. On the other hand, reports
of the influence of yoga on body functions are very few and several of these
have yielded only controversial observations. Favorable exercise effect of
yogic exercise on cardiovascular, endocrine metabolic and respiratory functions
has been observed.
Interaction and enter-hypothalamic and hypothalamo insular axis has been
postulated to explain the beneficial effects of yoga in diabetes. Several
studies have identified some specific yogic practices for control of
diabetes-Pranayama, Dhanurasana, Ardha-Mastsendraasana, Pachimotanasana,
Halasana & Vajrasana. Dhanurasan is individually most effective. These are
practiced on an empty stomach for 30 minutes followed by shavasana for 10-15
mts.
EFFECT ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS:
Practice of pranayama in normal healthy volunteers produces a significant
fall in the fasting blood sugar and post-prandial blood sugar. This effect is
also observed in both NIDDM and IDDM patients with reduction in the drug
requirement, development of a sense of well-being and normalization of the
insulin / Glucose ratios.
EFFECT OF YOGIC PRACTICES ON BLOOD PRESSURE:
Significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure is achieved
in hypertensive individuals with the practice of yoga. Blood pressure is
maintained at normal levels with significant reduction in the dosage required
of anithypertensives.
EFFECT ON LIPID PROFILE:
A significant decrease in the free fatty acids, LDL and VLDL cholesterol,
with increase in HDL cholesterol are noted after the practice of Yoga asana in
diabetic individuals.
EFFECT ON INSULIN KINETICS AND OTHER HORMONES:
Yoga produces a reduction in the fasting insulin levels and a shift of the
peak level of insulin to the left. There is a normalization of the
insulin/Glucose ratio with a reduction in the free fatty acid levels suggesting
a better peripheral utilization of insulin. There is also a significant rise in
the number of insulin receptors, indicating
a reduction in insulin resistance and improved insulin sensitivity.
There have been attempts to compare the effects of yogic practice Vis a Vis
physical exercise in control of diabetes. These studies have confirmed the
useful role of yoga in the control of diabetes mellitus. Fasting and
postprandial blood sugars fall significantly. Patients develop a sense of well
being within two weeks as well as lowering of the dosage of drugs. These
studies reveal significant changes in the insulin kinetics and some of the
coounterregulatory hormones like cortisol. There is a fall in free fatty acids,
suggesting a better utilization of insulin (possibly through an acting on
insulin receptors).
SUMMARY:
Exercise has a major role to play along with diet in the management of
Diabetes. In NIDDM patients a fair trial should be given to a regimen of
exercise and diet before instituting the specific drug therapy. A trail for a
period of 6-8 weeks is reasonable. Even after instituting a drug therapy, meal
plan and exercise are to be continued. Yoga complements above mode of therapy.
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House
of YOGA