Start Living Better!

Mind-Body Approaches For Diabetes

As the diabetes epidemic worsens, new approaches arise to treat or prevent the disease. In September, inhaled insulin was introduced as an alternative to injections. (It’s not recommended for people with asthma or other breathing related problems.) While this delivery method is convenient, I’m convinced it provides the best glucose control because it can’t deliver precise doses. There is also increasing awareness that metabolic syndrome, marked by a large waist, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and a tendency to hypertension, may be an important risk factor for diabetes. Some experts believe the syndrome is poorly defined and shouldn’t be used as a diagnosis.

Diet and exercise play significant roles in managing and preventing diabetes, but new research suggests other lifestyle measures, especially relaxation methods/techniques, can help lower blood sugar. One study found that people with high stress and hostility levels are more likely to have insulin resistance. Perhaps the hormones controlling blood sugar rise, promoting insulin resistance in genetically susceptible individuals.

Reducing stress with the following techniques can not only improve blood sugar, but also make it easier to cope with diabetes and improve compliance with treatment, such as daily monitoring, medication use, and dietary and exercise advice.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR): Scientists say that PMR is easy to learn and has been tested often with diabetes. A 2002 study of 108 people with type 2 diabetes found that those who practiced PMR in addition to receiving standard care had lower glucose levels than those getting only standard care. PMR involves the tensing and relaxing of one muscle group at a time from head to toe until the entire body feels more calm.

Meditation: People who meditate regularly gain self-awareness, can sense stress reactions coming on, and can keep them from escalating. To help control blood sugar, it’s suggested to try mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a meditation technique derived from Buddhist tradition. Walking meditation is also useful because its both a physical and mental exercise. It’s a double bang for your buck.

Yoga: Researchers in India found that when 20 people with diabetes practiced daily yoga for 40 days, there was a significant decrease in their fasting glucose levels and beneficial changes in insulin levels.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): In this approach, a psychotherapist teaches patients to change disruptive thought patterns and adopt healthier ways of coping with emotions. In a 1998 study of 51 people with type 2 diabetes who suffered from major depression, those who had 10 weeks of CBT were more likely to achieve remission from depression than those not receiving therapy. This is important because untreated depression is often linked to poor compliance with diabetes treatment. The subjects in the study also experienced improved blood sugar levels within six months of CBT treatment.