Radhikaji, can yoga help fight diabetes? Asking for my 64 year old father who is living with diabetes for over 20 years now.

Ans: Since you have been walking regularly, you can start surya namaskar - slowly and under supervision of an experienced and certified yoga teacher. Also practice daily pranayams for 10-15 minutes, its very good for overall health.

Ans: Hi Sumukh, for any lifestyle disease, a lifestyle change is required. Yoga can help to some extent with exercise and to a large extent with stress management. Other contributors to lifestyle are Diet, morning routine, sleep, social life etc. So keeping all those in mind and creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle can certainly help in managing diabetes.

Ans: Namaste!
Regular yoga practice can definitely help one improve flexibility and reduce stress while lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Statistics have shown that yoga can eventually reverse mild or pre-diabetic conditions when practiced regularly.

Ans: Yoga can be very effective in helping the body use insulin more efficiently and manage blood sugar levels naturally. While yoga doesn’t directly "increase" insulin, certain poses, breathing techniques, and practices improve insulin sensitivity, which means your cells use insulin better.

Here are some specific practices that may help:

Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull-Shining Breath): This breathing technique stimulates the pancreas, helping regulate insulin production and improve metabolism. Start with 1-2 minutes daily, gradually increasing as comfortable.

Twisting Poses: Poses like Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) and Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Twist) gently massage the pancreas, helping regulate insulin levels.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): These backbends stimulate abdominal organs, including the pancreas, supporting better insulin function.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations): Practicing Sun Salutations slowly and mindfully can boost overall circulation and metabolism, which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

It’s best to practice these poses with a coach to ensure proper technique. With guidance and regular practice, yoga can be a valuable part of managing insulin sensitivity.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/