These 7 easy yoga asanas can help your older family members manage diabetes

Doing yoga can help your older family members take better care of their health while keeping their blood sugar in control.
yoga for diabetes
These yoga poses are easy to practice and super effective! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 16:16 pm IST
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Diabetes is often referred to as a lifestyle disease. It has become extremely common in today’s time given our sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. While it can happen to anyone, the majority of diagnosed cases are amongst the elderly.

Ageing can cause various health issues. In such a situation, managing diabetes can be extremely tough. Many people who are older in age can’t fully commit to an active lifestyle due to other ailments. However, physical activity is extremely important to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Given this dilemma, it is yoga that can work wonders! Not only is it a great way to include working out into one’s routine but there are certain asanas that are specifically helpful to those with diabetes.

So, if anyone in your family is diabetic, you need to tell them that it’s time to master yoga!

If you are wondering how yoga can help, we have a science-backed answer. Certain poses involve the stretching and twisting of internal muscles which stimulates the pancreas and endocrine system. The stimulation facilitates insulin secretion which helps in keeping the blood sugar levels in control. What’s more, yoga also helps in managing stress levels which is a major contributing factor to the development of diabetes.

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According to a study published in the journal Endocrinology and Metabolism, regularly practising specific yoga asanas can help one’s keep blood sugar levels in check and can be effective in reducing the risk for developing diabetes.

These yoga poses are not only effective but are also easy on the body. Let’s look into the 7 yoga poses that can work wonders for elderly diabetics:

1. Kapalabhati
Most people are aware of the breathing exercise and its benefits. The breathing technique used in this practice helps in activating pancreas which facilitates the regulation of insulin production in the body.

yoga for weight loss
Kapalbbhati is one of the simplest asanas. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Apart from this, Kapalabhati pranayam can boost blood circulation and remove the toxins present in the body. A study published in the journal Drug Invention Today also concluded that Kapalbhati can decrease blood sugar levels in borderline diabetic patients.

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2. Vakrasana
Known as the twisted pose, it helps in massaging the internal organs. This, in turn, can facilitate better insulin production in diabetics. Moreover, this pose can also help diabetics in your family to lose weight which is necessary to manage blood sugar levels.

3. Supta Matsyendrasana
The lying-down body twist pose helps in massaging internal organs and exerts pressure on the abdominal organs, leading to better functioning of the pancreas and endocrine system.

Also, read: 7 seemingly harmless things that can put you at risk of diabetes

4. Ardha Matsyendrasana
When it comes to managing diabetes, this is one of the most effective poses. The asana helps in improving the function of various organs including the liver, pancreas and spleen. This facilitates a better production of insulin in the body. What’s more, this pose helps in better digestion and removes toxins out from the body.

5. Paschimottanasana
Paschimottanasana or the seated forward bend is known to improve the functioning of the renal system and the pancreas. This helps keep one’s blood sugar levels in check.

seated forward bend
Yes! The seated forward bend is even good for managing diabetes. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Surya Namaskar
Surya namaskar or the sun salutation can be a little difficult for anyone just starting their yoga practice. However, practising it over time can be extremely useful when it comes to managing diabetes. This yoga sequence affects the whole body. What’s more, it promotes blood flow to the pancreas which further facilitates insulin production in the body.

7. Padahastasana
Known as hand under foot pose, this asana helps in the stimulation of organs in the abdominal region such as the liver, pancreas and kidneys. What’s more, it helps in strengthening and promoting the proper functioning of these organs.

So, if anyone in your family has diabetes, yoga can help them manage the condition quite well.

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About the Author

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

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