International Yoga Day: 4 Yoga poses to keep diabetes under control

A report released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2012, stated close to 52% of Indians are unaware they suffered from high blood sugar. The report added that the number of Indians with diabetics was expected to cross the 100 million mark by 2030.

Diabetes can affect people at any age, leading to many complications like heart disease and kidney disease. One way to keep diabetes under control is regular exercise. Yoga is an effective form to control your blood sugar levels.

A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found practising yoga regularly caused short-term improvement in fasting glucose and cholesterol level. Marshall Govindan and Dr Emilia  RipollBunn who conducted the study, discovered direct stimulation of the pancreas by certain yoga postures revitalised its capacity to produce insulin.

Please note that it is important that you consult your doctor before opting for any kind of fitness regime

Here are 4 yoga poses to help keep diabetes under control:

1. Ardha Matsyendrasana or Half lord of the fish pose

Benefits: Helps to stimulate digestion and squeeze out toxins by massaging the pancreas, kidneys, liver, small intestines and gall bladder.

2. Vrikshasana or Tree pose

Benefit: Stimulates the hormonal secretion of the pancreas.

3. Halasana or Plow pose

Benefit: Stimulates the pancreas and activates immune system by massaging all the internal organs including pancreas. Improves kidney and liver functioning and strengthens the abdominal muscles. 

4. Dhanurasana or Bow pose

Benefits: Improves the functioning of pancreas and intestines, which helps control blood sugar levels. Organs like the liver, the pancreas will function actively by practicing this yoga.