We’re bringing awareness to diabetes in November, because it is one of the top 5 common chronic diseases in the world. And one of the leading causes of preventable death.
What is diabetes? It’s chronic high blood sugar levels. There are different types of diabetes. In short, it’s when sugar can’t get inside the body’s cells to make energy. Our body breaks down carbohydrates (bread, milk, beans, potatoes, cookies, crackers, etc…) into tiny molecules of sugar called glucose. Glucose travels in our blood to get inside our cells. Our cells use glucose to make energy. A hormone called insulin helps glucose enter our cells. Without insulin, glucose can’t get inside cells to make energy. So blood sugar levels become too high. This is called hyperglycemia. Check this link to learn how blood sugar levels are diagnosed as too high. Over time this leads to serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
But we have good news to share. Firstly, diabetes can be managed with treatment and a healthy lifestyle. Second, mind-body practices may combat diseases like type 2 diabetes!
In a recent publication, Keck School of Medicine analyzed studies from different countries showing that mind-body practices, like meditation, significantly reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
In fact, some mind-body practices are shown to be nearly as effective as commonly prescribed medicine in reducing blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes. WOW! These were patients who were doing mind-body practices in addition to receiving proper medication versus just taking medication.
Clinicians are finding this especially interesting because mind and body practices, like Tamarkoz, could be used in complement with treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes. And may be a preventative measure for those who are prediabetic. This is exciting because effective methods are needed to keep diabetes under control since only half of people with type 2 diabetes succeed in reducing blood sugar levels to target goals.
The mechanism of how this occurs is not yet understood by science. That said, chronic diseases such as diabetes feel stressful. Sticking to a plan that includes tracking blood glucose levels, dosing insulin, counting carbohydrates, planning meals might feel like a lot of work. Some people may feel emotionally drained, stressed out or overwhelmed. In response, the body releases stress hormones such as catecholamines, and glucocorticoids, which lead to increased levels of blood sugar. For example, adrenaline raises blood glucose by stimulating your liver to release sugar. Additionally, the inflammatory response from stress may increase insulin resistance. Research in neuro-endocrine pathways reveal mind-body practices such as meditation, Tamarkoz, yoga, qi-gong, and other relaxation techniques can help counter the stress response and regulate these stress hormones.
The American Diabetes Association is a good resource for details on the various types of diabetes. They also offer a free 12 Month program with 6 e-booklets, and local events and free monthly newsletters with healthy lifestyle information about nutrition, self-care, treatment, and more.
It’s important to know diabetes is completely manageable by finding your balance with treatment, an exercise routine, a nutrition plan, and a mind-body practice, such as Tamarkoz. We all have the power to change things including our quality of life and living to our optimal wellbeing.
References:
- Keck School of Medicine.https://keck.usc.edu/mind-body-practices-lower-blood-sugar-levels-in-people-with-type-2-diabetes/.
- Fatimata Sanogo, Keren Xu, Victoria K. Cortessis, Marc J. Weigensberg, and Richard M. Watanabe. Mind- and Body-Based Interventions Improve Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.
- Monica M. DiNardo; Mind-Body Therapies in Diabetes Management. Diabetes Spectr 1 January 2009; 22 (1): 30–34. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaspect.22.1.30
- Center for Disease Control. National Statistics Report. 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
- American Diabetes Association: The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here.https://diabetes.org/diabetes.