Diabetes remains a pivotal global health challenge, but once in a year, the world unites in a singular mission for the elimination of diabetes and raising awareness and fostering change. Diabetes, a non-communicable disease, affects millions across the globe. Yet, not all are aware of its repercussions or preventive measures. World Diabetes Day 2023 provides a platform for everyone – from medical professionals to the general public – to learn, share, and act.
While World Diabetes Day 2023 is one day, its message is everlasting. We must join hands, share resources, and collectively work towards reducing the global diabetes footprint.
World Diabetes Day 2023, with its theme of ‘Empowering Global Health’, serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that by coming together, by understanding, caring, and acting, we can create a world where diabetes does not dictate our lives.
It’s essential to underscore the significance of the date. World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14th. Why this date? It’s the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, the genius behind the discovery of insulin in 1921 with Charles Best.
Each year a unique theme is chosen for World Diabetes Day .in 2023 the theme chosen is Empowering Global health .This theme not only empowers the individual health but also gives importance to the communities work together to compact this global issue.
In the last 20 years, Diabetes has spread very intensely and is affecting millions of people worldwide. Having diabetes means restrictions on the food you consume, and some people also may have to eat medicine and inject insulin. Even after following these restrictions and having these medicines, Diabetes takes a toll on people’s life. The good news is that in some cases, Yoga therapy helps patients to keep Diabetes under control. Therapeutic Yoga for diabetes is a well-known practice around the globe, and a large number of people are benefiting from it.
Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind, and emotions. Yoga practice is useful in the management of various lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Psycho-neuro-endocrine and immune mechanisms are involved in the beneficial effects of yoga on diabetes. Incorporation of yoga practice in daily life helps to attain glycaemic control and reduces the risk of complications in people with diabetes.
Although yoga has been practised since ancient times, as a therapy it is still a relatively new and emerging trend in the healthcare field. Extensive research has explored changes in biochemical, electrophysiological, cellular, genetic, neuromuscular, and radiological parameters related to yoga practice. This has facilitated the practical application of yoga in various diseases, and it is now being recognized worldwide as a clinically viable treatment. Traditionally a mind-body practice with the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment, yoga is a science of health management, rather than a therapy for treating specific diseases
Yoga is also known to regulate eating patterns, and its potential utility in the management of eating disorders has been advocated. It is believed that the mind- body connection that stems from yoga practice provides opportunities for self- awareness, reflection, and change Yoga, pranayama, and sudarshan kriya were found to be beneficial in improving dietary practices and medication adherence.
Yoga participation has been correlated with both fruit and vegetable intake, as well as improved eating habits and mindful eating practices. Meditation and ability to heighten mindfulness may be beneficial in controlling binge-eating patterns.
Mindful eating for those suffering from diabetes has shown to facilitate improvements in dietary intake, modest weight loss, and glycaemic control
Yoga practice is a complex intervention with various components, including cleansing processes (kriya), postures (asana), controlled breathing (pranayama), meditation, relaxation, chanting mantras, yogic diet, code of conduct, philosophy, and spirituality.
Many yoga practices have been found to be beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes; however, their judicious use is recommended after a careful assessment of a patient’s overall health, individual requirements, associated risk factors, and contraindications. By considering the person as a whole, including physical inactivity and poor health behaviours, yoga practices of high or low intensity may be prescribed.
Yogic Practices for diabetics Pranayamas for Diabetes
- Kapalabhati 5 to 10 minutes in a slow or medium speed
- Anulom vilom or Nadi Shodhana – 5 to 10 minutes Asanas for Diabetes
- Mandukasana
- Shashankasana
- Yogmudrasana
- Ardhmatsyendrasana
- Vakrasana
- Gomukhasana
- Pawanmuktasana
- Uttanpadasana
- Naukaasana
- Kandharasana
- Savasana
