Diabetes

Diabetes is an imbalance in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes may vary, although both genetic and environmental factors such as obesity, stress and lack of exercise, smoking, consumption of alcohol, fatty foods, etc., appear to play vital roles. Symptoms of diabetes include - tiredness, thirst, feeling uncomfortable, frequent urination, dryness in the mouth, wounds don't heal quickly etc. Diabetes results in your body's inability to keep the amount of sugar in your blood at a healthy level. High blood sugar usually result in health problems. These include heart attacks, strokes, frequent infections, eye problems that can lead to blindness and kidney failure. Uncontrolled diabetes may cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and affects the immune system. Maintaining glucose in your blood at the right level is all that has to be done to avoid diabetes. But it is easier said than done.
There are two major types of diabetes: ·

Type 1 - An imbalance in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes.

Type 2 - A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions, due to an increased number of older Americans, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
There are things that you can do to avoid diabetes -

1. Have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly. If they are high, find out what to do and stick to the treatment.
2. Have a complete eye exam every year. This means more than just an eye glass check. The exam is done in a darkened room. Pictures of the inside of your eye may be taken.
3. Check your feet and skin every day. If you are injured, have pain, or see signs of infection, get treatment right away.
4. Don't smoke. Smoking and diabetes are a dangerous combination especially if you also have high blood pressure.
5. Have your blood and urine checked each year for signs of kidney damage. Find out what the results mean. Learn what you can do to protect your kidneys.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition, particularly for type II diabetics. Ketones are found in the urine and only a urine test can reveal. The symptoms are urge to pass urine often, lose weight unexpectedly, feel more tired or sleepy than usual, throw up or feel sick in your stomach, have stomach pain, have fruity smell in your breath, breathing is fast and deep. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately and get yourself checked thoroughly.
The Integrated Approach in Yoga Therapy(IAYT) adopted by Sanaklpa yoga operates at the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels by varied Yogic practices. The key principles are:
i) deep relaxation--alertful, rest;
ii) increased stamina--forbearance;
iii) internal awareness. Adopting these basic facets, organs are brought to normalcy, revitalised and strengthened by physical exercises, asanas, kriyas, breathig practices and pranayama, emotional control through devotional sessions, dhyana and vicara.

The deep relaxation to the overall system should help release stresses at the immune system level and normalise its functioning. The revitalisation of pancreatic beta cells with Yogic approach are bright. Asanas help so effectively to revitalise the pancreas by localised stretch and relaxation inherent in some postures. Once pancreas start functioning, right away, diabetes comes under your control. The imbalance in the prana (energy) carry the psychological stresses and emotional upsurges to the physical sheath. Yoga is the right tool to set right this imbalance.
Yoga makes diet control and weight reduction easier and is a good form of exercise. It also reduces stress-hormone levels, improves the function of pancreas and normalises your immune system.