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December 22, 2009
Effect of the Practice of Yoga Therapy on Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus (obesity and stress)
- A Preventive Perspective
Annapoorna K .
Department of Yoga, Kasturba Medical College Hospital,Manipal University, Manipal, India
anuupadhya@rediff.com
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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death globally. The etiology of Diabetes is multifactorial - genetic factors, lack of exercise, faulty diet. Obesity and Stress also contributes to Diabetes which is also related to other medical complications. Stress increases the blood glucose levels and the risk for stroke, heart disease and infections.
Obese people have higher risk of developing Diabetes since both body fat and fat circulating in the bloodstream appear to interfere with the ability of cells to use insulin. In most cases, it is easy to ignore Diabetes in its early stage, especially when one is asymptomatic. Strengthening the immune system is also vital since some illnesses can cause the body to produce more blood sugar. Research findings reveal remarkable improvements of effect of Yoga therapy on Diabetes. Regular practices of yoga prevent and reduce blood sugar level, blood pressure, body weight, stress levels. In the present study twelve obese subjects aged 20 to 40 years (3 males & 9 females) who are having family history of Diabetes and Hypertension, attended the yoga department, willing to participate in the program were recruited.
Those suffering from medical and psychiatric disorders were excluded. Their Body Mass Index and blood pressure were measured. Dietary habits, exercise details recorded. They were taught Surya namaskara, ,Janushirshasana, Marichasana, Nadishodhana pranayama, Bhramari pranayama,Soham dhyana for 45 minutes. The subjects were instructed to practice twice a day followed by Shavasana practice for five minutes with balanced dietary intake. To evaluate stress level the Psychological General Well-Being Schedule questionnaire ,a self report on 22 items, measures subjective well-being of six affective states-
(1) anxiety
(2) depressed mood
(3) sense of positive well-being
(4) self-control
(5) general health
(6) vitality is administered.
Reassessment to be done after three months. The changes if any achieved would be discussed with implications and further recommendations.
