The benefits of yoga for both your physical and mental health are widely known, but not many of us realize just how much it has to offer someone with diabetes. An exercise form that can be done anywhere, it has the power to help you see improved glycemic control and improve health on multiple fronts.
The Importance Of Exercise For Diabetes Management
One of the tenets of good glycemic control and diabetes management is regular physical activity and exercise. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity enabling cells in the muscles to use available insulin properly, for glucose uptake post a workout. This lowers your blood sugar in the short term and has the power to potentially bring down your HbA1C levels on a sustained basis if you keep up a regular exercise regimen as part of a lifestyle change.
Every week, you should aim at 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity exercise. Ideally, a couple of days a week your workout should target all major muscle groups.
Why Yoga?
While there are a range of options for you to explore, yoga has some added benefits that not all forms of exercise do. Besides being a full body workout, it also has mental health benefits and specific asanas have therapeutic effects. Here are some reasons why so many swear by yoga for diabetes:
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels
- Lowers HbA1C levels
- Mitigates some of the stress associated with diabetes and promotes relaxation
- May also make you more conscious of what you are eating and is associated with improved intake of fruit and vegetables
- Has cardiovascular benefits like lowering blood pressure
- Improves nerve function
- Helps regulate metabolism
References
https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/active.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145966/
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/health-and-wellness/yoga-diabetes