Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disorder with roots in metabolic dysfunction. In other words, for a majority of the patients, diabetes manifests when pancreatic release of insulin is not enough due to irregular eating habits, chronic stress, and a lifestyle that is not in tune with lots of physical activities. Insulin is a hormone that lets sugar into cells to fuel muscles and other tissues. Over time, these factors impair insulin’s function, which is to control the metabolism of sugar or glucose to produce energy for body cells. Today, it has been realized that it is difficult to bring blood sugar levels down by medication alone without taking a holistic approach to the treatment and prevention of the proven long-term effects of the drugs on one’s body and mind.

Various dietary and exercise regimes are recommended to maintain health and manage illnesses. However, disease like diabetes cannot be successfully managed by focusing on components of health—like diet or medication or exercise—in isolation. Therefore, each individual based on his/her unique bodily constitution take up the combination of some of the popular alternative or balancing therapies under the guidance of your healthcare provider who uses holistic approach for managing and preventing diabetes.

Yoga - Yoga is a holistic discipline of healing and wellness and the regular practice of yoga will not only help reduce oxidative stress, one of the largest killers in the modern times, or lower your blood sugar and other anthropometric indices, but also produce a sense of overall well-being. Oxidative stress include chronic fatigue, impaired blood circulation and sleep problems. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease, neurological problems and cancer. Recent research studies on the practice of Yoga by the diabetic patients have shown a significant increase in exhalation duration and a modest increase in tidal volume after practicing yoga as a deep breathing tool. This led to better cellular metabolism, a function that is impaired in diabetic patients due to insufficient release of insulin. Yoga simply helps achieve the major goals of diabetes management including:

• Improves glycemic control or reduces of blood glucose levels and the risk of microvascular complications
• Reduces risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients of DM2 and DM-related distress. DM2 is a multi-system disorder characterized by an inability to relax muscles once they have contracted or “myotonia” and muscle weakness.
• Mitigates signs of depression and enhances emotional well-being and quality of life—factors that directly influence glycemic control.

These Yoga Asanas bring more energy to the pancreatic area to help cleanse, activate, and tone up the internal organs.

Meditation - A blissful meditative state, on a spiritual level can bring you peace, calmness, and joy. On a physical level, meditation can reduce chronic stress, one of the biggest factor that triggers and aggravates blood sugar levels. With continuous practice of meditation, diabetes patients have reported:

• Reduction in oxidative stress (up to 20%)
• Reduction in total cholesterol and
• Reduction in fasting glucose level and improves cellular metabolism
• Reduction in production of stress hormones like cortisol
• Longer resting periods when the parasympathetic nervous system gets switched on-an autonomic balance in favor of diabetic control and lowered insulin resistance
• Better sleep and improved memory and attention

In the deep breathing practices followed by Pranayama, the practitioners reported clarity of mind, prolonged moments of thoughtlessness, steadier heart rate, and calmness of being. The cyclical, rhythmic patterns of breath brings the mind and body into a relaxed yet wakeful state.

Chronic Stress Reduction - Our body has an in built stress response to external triggers of stress that involve release of series of chemical reactions. These triggers could be difficulties at work, or relationship or family issues or any other demanding situation. In these situations, the response system, a normal defense mechanism of the body expresses in the form of hormonal release and numerous biochemical reactions.  However, continuous release of these hormones under chronic stress is linked to higher risks of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or angina. These stress hormones also cause blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate to rise. Some of the symptoms of chronic stress may include:

To handle stressful situations with far more ease, 1) we can increase our energy levels or Prana through proper sleep, meditation, proper food, and breath work. 2) Share your thoughts and speak with close friends and family members when you feel you may be undergoing symptoms of chronic stress before it gets out of hand. 3) Practice meditation as a tool for reducing anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. 4) Make sure you get 7–8 hours of sleep every night. Get into the habit of sleeping at the same time every night to set your body clock accordingly.