Practicing yoga has numerous benefits for people with diabetes, including controlling blood sugar, improving overall health, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Dr. Tran Thuy Ngan from the Department of Endocrinology – Diabetes at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City emphasizes the importance of managing stress for individuals with diabetes, as stress can exacerbate the condition. Yoga can help patients with diabetes by teaching breathing techniques, supporting body movements, regulating nerves, promoting metabolism, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
One of the key benefits of yoga for diabetics is its ability to reduce stress levels. Yoga practice can help individuals control their blood sugar and feel more relaxed by focusing the mind and practicing relaxation techniques. Additionally, yoga helps stabilize cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease, which can prevent complications such as diabetic neuropathy.
Incorporating yoga into a daily routine, even for just 20-30 minutes a day, can improve nerve health, increase metabolism, balance hormones, and regulate blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes. Yoga postures can also rejuvenate pancreatic cells, stimulate insulin production, increase glucose absorption by muscle cells, and aid in weight loss and control.
Dr. Ngan recommends that people with diabetes choose yoga postures that suit their health condition, combine yoga practice with a balanced diet, and take medications as prescribed to maximize the effectiveness of their treatment. Yoga therapy exercises can be a valuable complement to traditional diabetes management strategies and contribute to overall health and well-being for individuals with diabetes.