YOGIC METHODS TO TACKLE DIABETES MELLITUS

By Dr.VinuBhaskar
Lecturer in Physical Education
K.K.T.M. Govt. College, Pullut

The report presented by W.H.O. at the World Health Assembly at Geneva in May 2008 speaks about the shocking news about the rate of diseases in 2030.As per that report 14.2% of world’s population will die due to coronary artery diseases. In 2004, the death rates due to diabetes mellitus is in 12th position and by 2030 it will move five places up to 7th position. Worldwide, there are an estimated 246 million people with diabetes and this number is set to reach 400 million by 2030. Population based studies have shown that nearly one in five of all patients with diabetes has one or more complications arising from the disease. It has emerged as a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations and heart attacks in our country. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common and possibly one of the oldest metabolic disorders in the world. It is characterized by multi-system dysfunction due to an elevated blood sugar level. Normally the fasting level of blood glucose is less than 90mg/dL and the Post- Prandial (2hours) level is less than 120 mg/dL. If the Post- Prandial level sugar level is between 150 and 200mg the condition is labeled as an impaired tolerance and if above 200, it is DM.
Studies reveal that the change in the lifestyle increases possibility of diabetes in children. The basic problem is the fast food or bakery food culture developed in our society. As per the latest statistical report 45% of children in America are diabetic. In India it is approximately 10%.
There are two broad types of Diabetes Mellitus

(i)Primary or Type I insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

It develops before the age of 40.This is often seen in children too. It is almost certain that the disease is auto-immune in nature and that there is a genetic predisposition. The body’s defense mechanism attacks the pancreas and destroys the pancreatic cells and the level of endogenous insulin is very low. An environmental factor of factor of viral etiology is also thought to play an important role in the genesis of the disease.

(ii)Type II or Non – Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)

It is the most common form of DM and accounts for 90% of all diabetes. This is usually begins after middle age.
There are three subtypes: Non-Obese, Obese & Maturity – On Set Diabetes of the Young (NODY).
Endogenous insulin is adequate but in the face of stress, may fail. The defect here can be either one of the beta cells failing to produce enough insulin or an impaired tissue sensitivity to insulin.
There can also be secondary diabetes which is caused either by pancreatic disease due to the damage of cells of the gland or by the hormonal abnormalities like over functioning of the pituitary and adrenal glands.
Insulin receptor abnormalities and genetic disorders may also cause DM.
In IDDM, by the time of diagnosis is made, 90% of the beta cells are damaged. Little progress has been made in the pathogenesis of NIDDM.

Symptoms

The patient usually complains of passing a larger than normal volume of urine, with increasing frequency every day.
The osmotic effect of increased levels of blood glucose causes more thirst and hunger. Sometimes the patient suffers a frozen shoulder and this can be a manifestation of diabetes. Lethargy, weight loss and easy susceptibility to infections particularly of the skin, excessive hunger, craving for sweets and sweating are some of the other symptoms.

Complications of Diabetes

Acute complications include a state of metabolic stress with over production of chemicals called ketone bodies. The patient suffers nausea, vomiting and dehydration. The rate of progression of atherosclerosis is rapid due to the elevated blood sugar. Blockage of peripheral blood vessels creates pain in legs when walking which varies from patient to patient. Silent heart attacks may be occurred.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness. Diabetic nephropathy is the renal disease due to diabetes is a leading cause of mortality.
Diabetic nephropathy is the renal disease due to diabetes is a leading cause of mortality.
Diabetic neuropathy affects every part of the nervous system with the exception of brain.
Autonomic dysfunction affects gastro intestinal tract, resulting in delayed gastric emptying , constipation or diarrhea.
Diabetic foot ulcers are also a dreaded problem.

Yogic Management

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ which means to join, to yoke, to bind and to concentrate on one’s attention. Yoga makes the mind strong and able to endure pain and unhappiness. The power of determination and concentration are developed. Equilibrium and vitality became the normal state of mind after regular practice of yoga. Stability of mind is developed, life became easy and difficulties became stepping stones to perfect mental health. With yoga a man is able to inspire others by his behavior and action.
Yoga is ideally suited for both types of Diabetes. Yogic asanas like Halasana, Bhujangasana, Yogamudra, Dhanurasana, Salabhasana, Ardha-Matsyendrasana, Paschimottasana, Padahastasana, Banasana, Bhadrasana, Supta-Vajrasana and Veerastambhasana are very important for diabetic patients. Among these asanas Halasana, Yogamudra, Paschimottasana and Ardha-Matsyendrasana are very powerful in nature. They squeeze pancreas and exerts tremendous pressure in all vital internal organs of our body and activate their functioning .


In insulin dependent DM , asanas help to prevent an increase in insulin requirement over years. Yogic exercises can be higher or low intensity, depending on the clinical condition. Yoga increases the practitioner’s sensitivity to body movements and cellular changes. There is no pounding or forcible action in asana practice. The action on the cells is gentle and soothing and relieves the modified pathology by better blood perfusion and enhances healing. The most important advantage of yogic asanas are that the internal organs are directly affected by the geometric shape of the asanas itself and the emphasis in yoga is on controlling the autonomic dysfunction by means of Pranayama. Other exercises increase the general sugar uptake by the cells while yoga selects the cells to absorb sugar. This is due to the wide variety of geometric shapes of asanas. Exercise training enhances the action of drugs and increases insulin sensitivity. Vigorous exercise regime helps to normalize blood sugar, either alone or in combination with dietary modification and drugs.

A prolonged observational follow up of Yoga practitioners has shown that the incidence of DM is very low, if at all. This is so only if yoga has been practiced from a very young age or very regularly. In fact , the rate of diseases are very low in yogic practitioners. Ultimately, diabetes prevention needs ‘political will’, societal and community support and behavioral change on the part of individuals and their families. Habit of regular exercise should be developed at the very young age. Systematic and compulsory Physical Education program should be launched from pre- primary level to post- graduate level. Now is the time for India to wake up to the imminent problem of diabetes and other non- communicable diseases (NCDs) and act – before it is too late.