World should be thankful to the two scientists “Banting and Best” (who extracted insulin from Pancreas (1921)) for their record breaking research. Their work brought a long lease of life to diabetic patients, at the time, when diabetes was considered to be an incurable and fatal disease, not allowing more than 5 years of life at the max.
“If you are among few fortunate with ‘No Diabetes History’, discipline your lifestyle and you may end up gifting your child a ‘Diabetes Free life’ as well.”
This makes it clear that Diabetes had been a part of human life for centuries. We do have historical references in Egyptian Papyrus (1500 BC) and Ayurveda. In fact, Ayurveda physicians, Charaka & Sushruta named it Prameha and Madhumeha. Given this fact, it would not be wrong to infer that diabetes is one of those hereditary conditions that pass from one generation to the next. A person with one parent with type-II diabetes has a 25% chance of developing Type- II diabetes during adulthood; if both parents are diabetic it increases the chances to 50% ; a female having Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy, with a parental history, further multiplies the above percentage.
“Diabetes always has had an existence”
We grew up being aware of a condition called, “Sugar” (local name for diabetes). But, this affliction was only for the older generation and, therefore, seemed easily acceptable.
What has become unusual and alarming is its prevailing predominance over a larger population, not sparing even the kids. We have EMPOWERED diabetes to an extent that it rules over our life. So much so it has become acceptable to be a diabetic. And yes, hereditary it might be, but our current lifestyle is definitely responsible for its omnipresence.
Today, diabetes is majorly lifestyle induced
With the advancement of technology, our kids have become room bound and the adults’ desk bound. The lack of physical activity, over consumption of processed foods, irregular eating patterns etc. – culminating into general stress and lack of well being, thereby, contributing towards its predominance in our lives.
Onset of diabetes is just the beginning of the story, the complications associated with it – Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Neuropathy, Ulceration of skin, Nephropathy or Kidney Failure, Cardio Vascular Problem – Heart Attack, stroke, high BP, Ketones, Pregnancy Complications, Sexual Dysfunction, however, will cut the story of our lives short.
A little discipline will allow you to distance yourself from diabetes, most probably forever
Eating patterns and sedentary lifestyle are two major contributors to this epidemic. Some discipline in these two particular areas can go a long way in controlling the problem.
A diabetic craves for sugar which is poison to them. Applying ‘Abhyasa and Vairagaya’ (regular practice & detachment) in yogic terms will do the wonders. A diabetic diet plan is, in fact, very healthy and will benefit not only the diabetic but also the whole family.
Any form of physical activity creates positive effects on Glucose Metabolism & Insulin Sensitivity. Body uses a lot of glucose even without insulin during yoga. Anyone who is physically active may keep their diabetes in check. However, this has a ‘sub – acute’ effect. You stop your physical activity, you will fall prey to the vicious cycle.
Pranayma will bring the calmness of mind, helping you control your emotions, thereby, keeping stress in control.
Something as simple as a 30 minute ‘WALK’ (of course you will need to change the rhythm from time to time) or a little advanced practice like a 30 minute Suryanamaskar has the power to gift you a ‘Diabetes Free Life’. And guess what, it may even allow some food cheats once in a while…
For any query, write to “Ask Shammi” on www.shammisyogalaya.com For other blogs on related subject, check www.shammisyogalayablog.com
Shammi Gupta, founder of Shammi’s Yogalaya holds an MA in Yoga Shastra, is a certified Yogic Therapist and Naturopath, has completed an Advanced Yoga Course and holds a Diploma in Yoga Education from Mumbai University. She is a certified trainer from American College of Sports Medicine and holds an MBA in HR & MBA in Finance from The University of Akron, Ohio, USA. She conducts Health Awareness Workshops for Corporate, Yogasana Workshops for Athletes and Yoga Therapy Workshops on different medical issues for patients. Among the celebrities Shammi trains are eminent personalities from the film and television industry and corporate world.