I always felt lazy and sleepy the whole day until I came across these yoga asanas for type 1 diabetes. So, I took Sadhguru’s Inner Enginnering online course. I felt like taking a new birth, and the program lasted for seven days.
note: if you feel lazy and tired all day, do consult your doctor before trying anything else.
In this article, I am only going to share those asanas that I have personally tried. Personally, I have benefitted a lot from yoga in my life, and as a type 1 diabetic, I can proudly say yoga does improve your quality of life. It might not be the cure, but it makes me feel alive and healthy.
Benefits of Yoga asanas for Type 1 diabetes
- Better Sleep Quality
- Instant Recovery from highs and lows
- Helps in healthy blood circulation
- Improves digestion
- Aids in relaxation of muscles
Again, there are lots of benefits that you will notice once you build a daily yoga practice habit, even if for 30 minutes.
It is best to practice yoga in the morning when you have an empty stomach.
After getting fresh, the first thing I do is take my yoga mat on the roof and practice yoga at least for 30 to 40 minutes every morning, and it really recharges me to attack the day with positive energy.
1. Nadi Sudhhi Pranayam (Breathe Yoga)
Nadi Sudhhi is a very simple but powerful practice. An ancient spiritual practice that helped me improve and heal my mental health as a type 1 diabetic. I started feeling calm and content whole day at times. I would strongly recommend you begin your yoga journey with this.
2. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Sun salutations strengthen your spine and affect your overall body in a positive way. It stimulates metabolism and improves digestion.
I have started doing it recently, and I feel more energy all day.
3. Balasana (Childlike pose)
Next we have Childlike Pose, which is so relaxing. I often like to do it at the end of my practice, and it just feels like heaven.
Beneficial for sugar regulation and relieving stress. Controlling stress levels is very important in type 1 diabetes.
4. Mandukasana (Frog Pose)
Mandukasana is my personal favorite, as it does wonderful things for my gut. My gut health improved only because of this asana alone, and I love practicing each day.
Again, I would like to tell you the benefits will not show up on the first day, but after a month you will feel the change of a day when you do yoga and a day where you decide not to do yoga.
For those who find it difficult to do, I would suggest progress slowly.
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Now, we come to the coolest asana and probably the most famous one. Cobra pose is easiest to begin with and comes with so many benefits for the gut of a t1d person.
It also relaxes the spine and helps in maintaining a good posture as we age. These are just a few benefits; the real benefits of asanas are the mental peace and clarity they give you. A person feels relaxed and content all day.
How to Begin Yoga for Type-1 Diabetics
Well, there’s a ton of advice available out there, but I will share my own experience as a type 1 diabetic.
Here are some things you must take care of while practicing yoga at home.
- Practice or have an empty stomach
- Sit on ground for practice
- Do a little stretching before beginning
Mostly people practice yoga in the early mornings. So, sleep early and wake up before sunrise. The first time you will face some difficulty in bending, etc., but after a month you will start to see progress as your body will be more flexible.
Simple Diet
Along with yoga, people focus on a healthy diet to see maximum benefits. A good natural diet will not only help your body heal faster from day to day ups and downs but will also calm your mind and improve your mental health.
A simple diet format that you can adapt in your daily life.
- Eat Salad at least once a day.
- Increase your protein intake (only protein sources are tofu for vegans, whey protein or chicken and eggs for normal people )
- Drink 4 litres of water.
But please also take care of blood sugar levels, and if you do this correctly, your health will start to get better.
Also read: Foods you must avoid in type 1 diabetes
Conclusion
No, yoga is not a cure for type 1 diabetes. But it has so many benefits that no other physical activity can provide. Not only your physical health but your mental health too starts to improve the day you begin yoga and yogic practices. Well, it can work for some and not for others, but there is no harm in giving it a try.
Do consult your doctor before beginning any physical activity. This article is not a substitute for real medical advice.
So, my best wishes to you, my friend who is reading this article and I know how hard it is to live and manage this condition. Each day is a battle, isn’t it? But don’t worry, we will get through and live our lives to the fullest.
