I am a diabetic patient. I would like to know , which type of yoga I should do to enable me to reduce my blood sugar


Diabetes refers to a condition that is caused by the impaired tolerance of glucose in the body, where the functioning of insulin is affected. The most common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss and frequent urination, to name a few. Diabetes can be of two types: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Several people have tried various Yoga asanas (poses) to improve the levels of sugar in their blood, with varying degrees of success. However, to know about the appropriate diabetes asanas (diabetes poses), it is important to know consider type of diabetes you are suffering from as you could otherwise end up frustrated, dedicating time to diabetes asanas, but finding no results. Type 1 diabetes is caused when insulin is not produced by the body. There are no diabetes postures that can treat this condition. Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by stress or lifestyle related problems. There are various diabetes postures that you can practice, for this problem: 
• Pranayama: In order to alleviate the problem of diabetes pranayama, which is a breathing technique, can be very effective. There are eight different types of Pranayama, which can help different conditions, diabetes being one of them. For the breathing technique to be more effective, it should be practiced twice a day. This technique should only be practiced under the guidance of an expert Yoga Guru. 
• Sun Salutation: This is one of the best exercises for people who are suffering from diabetes. It increases the supply of blood to different parts of the body, which improves the administration of insulin. This yogapose or rather series of diabetes asanas is most beneficial, when practiced at 4 rounds, in a minute. 
• Vinyasa: For improving diabetes Vinyasa Yoga, which is an extension of Hatha Yoga is often recommended by experts.  Postures like Dhanurasana (The Bow Sequence Pose) are great for increasing strength and flexibility and for regulating the pancreas, because of which it is often recommended for people with diabetes. 
• Meditation: This is one of the best ways of reducing stress and calming the nervous system. People with diabetes are asked to focus on the pancreas, during the meditation practice, to balance the levels of sugar in the blood.  
• Cleansing process: Master cleansing is often recommended for people who are suffering from diabetes. Shankha Prakshalana is a process that takes an entire day to practice and it should be practiced at least once in six months. With the help of this process, you can cleanse your gastrointestinal tract completely. You are required to drink 2 glasses of warm water with lemon juice and salty water after which 6 various exercises need to be performed. 

However, before performing any Diabetes asanas, it is important to consult a doctor. 

Yoga Poses for Diabetes 

Diabetes can be greatly controlled with the help of yoga.  One important yoga exercise or an asana is the sun salutation. The sun salutation helps to increase the supply of blood to the various parts in the body effectively, thus helping to stimulate an improved the administration of insulin in the body. Moreover all the movements of this particular exercise help to tone the body. Pranayama is known to control the effects of diabetes. One basic breathing technique known as the alternative nostril breathing or Nadi Shodhan Pranayama has a major sedating effect on the nervous system which in turn helps to bring down the levels of stress in the individual. All forms of Pranayama must be taught in detail by your yoga instructor. 

More importantly the daily performance of meditation techniques is also useful in managing stressful situations and relaxing the mind.  According to medical research a harmonious balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic global systems can positively affect the hormones in the body.  Particularly among diabetic patients the practice of meditation has helped to lower sugar levels and has brought about greater functionality in the pancreas and in the overall treatment of the condition. Yoga Nidra must be practiced daily for optimum results.  This process must be practiced three times today in addition to medication, as a complimentary therapy.  Of all the forms of yoga, Bikram yoga and Hatha yoga are known to impart the greatest benefits in treating diabetes. 

In addition to yoga and meditation, diet also plays a very important role in the proper administration of insulin and for the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.  Diet and exercise alone can control diabetes in the long run and for life.  The various bends and bodily movements play a therapeutic role in the stimulation of the glands and the pancreas among diabetics.