he percentage of diabetic patients all over the world is increasing day by day. Diabetes is the third widespread and serious disease after heart disease and cancer.

We need energy to carry out any activity by the body. Our body converts glucose into working power and remains active. Digestive process converts carbohydrates from our food into glucose. As the proportion of glucose in the blood increases, immediately pancreas gland situated behind the stomach releases hormones known as insulin. It converts glucose in the form of power and stores the extra glucose in the cells of liver and muscles. Thus the quantum of glucose in the blood remains balanced.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease state in which pancreas not functions normally, no sufficient insulin is produced and so, the body is not capable to manage its food intake properly, body’s metabolism gets disturbed. The sugar, starch and other carbohydrates are not burnt properly because of missing insulin, it leads high blood sugar. The kidneys cannot bear too much sugar (glucose) in the blood and as a result it is filtered out with the urine. Body therefore, utilizes fat instead of glucose. When glucose is converted to strength, the fuel is fully utilized but when fat is utilized as a fuel, poisonous gases like acetone are produced. A diabetic patient becomes comatose called as diabetic coma.

Two major types of diabetes mellitus are:

Type I - Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) The patients belonging to this category have their pancreas damaged due to virus. In such cases the cells producing insulin normally get destroyed. Therefore, it becomes essential to get insulin injected from outside. So, It is called as insulin dependent diabetes. It can occur at any age, though it most commonly occurs during younger age.

Type II - Non-Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) This diabetes is more common than type-I. About 95 to 98% of diabetic patients fall in this class Type-II diabetes mostly occurs in people who are over 40 and overweight. In this type of patients, insulin is produce in the body but its quantum is lower than required. This diabetes can be controlled by proper food, exercises and performance of Yogic exercises.

Effects of uncontrolled diabetes:

In comparison to the healthy man, the possibility of having high blood pressure and ailment of heart is 2 to 3 times more for a diabetic patient.

Diabetes may lead to gangrene, damage of retina, kidneys.

If diabetes is not properly controlled then in the long run fat gets deposited on inner layer of arteries and the possibilities of occurrence of paralysis increase

Causes:

Although the causes of diabetes are still unknown, medical science does know that certain factors contribute to its development. Heredity Food Stress that affects the cells of the body seems to set the stage for diabetes in these people.. Obesity

Symptoms:

Unusual thirst,

frequent and profuse urination,

loss of weight despite increased appetite and food intake,

weakness and drowsiness,

itching of the skin and boils.

TABLE FOR CONTROL OF DIABETES:

CONDITION BEFORE MEALS AFTER MEALS(2 hr after meals)
Normal 65 - 100 mg/dl 100 mg/dl 120 mg per day
Acceptable 120 mg/dl 150 mg per day
Poor More than 120 mg/dl More than 180 mg/dl

Yogic Treatment for Diabetes:

Surya Namaskara
Pavanamukta Asana
Utthan Pada Asana
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Bhujanga Asana
Paschimothan Asana
Salabha Asana
Matsya Asana
Bhramari Pranayama
Nadi shodhan Pranayama
Kunjal Kriya

Above asanas activate almost all the glands of the endocrinal system. Because of this internal activation, the pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, pituitary and some other glands begin to secrete their respective hormones in normal way. It loosens the hip-joints and activates the abdominal muscle and intestines and cures the constipation, and corrects the malfunctioning of stomach also relieves wind trouble, acidity etc... . It corrects the disorder of pancreas. Because of this activation the condition and functioning of the pancreas is energized and strengthen. It is a best asana for diabetes. These asana have several other benefits also; they correct disorder of kidneys, spleen, liver, stomach, intestine, bladder and pelvic region. For diabetic people above asana and pranayama have great curative effect.

Beside the above mentioned asana and pranayama practice of yoga nidra, concentration and meditation gives the best result.

Diet:

Low carbohydrate, sugar-free, vegetarian diet
To avoid potatoes, rice, sugar and sugar products
Salads of leafy green vegetables and lightly boiled vegetables should be preferred
Spices, oil and ghee should be consumed in minimum quantity