What if people with type 2 diabetes could manage their blood sugar levels just by practicing a few simple mind-body techniques? It might sound too good to be true, but according to a recent study, this is exactly what can happen.
In the study, adults with type 2 diabetes who practiced mind-body techniques such as gentle yoga and qigong saw significant improvements in their blood sugar levels. So, if you’re living with type 2 diabetes, why not give one or all these practices a try? You might be surprised at how well they work.
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Although approximately 66% of Americans with type 2 diabetes use mind-body practices, there has been limited research on whether these practices can reduce blood glucose levels. However, this new study published in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine is one of the first to find that some mind-body practices can be nearly as effective as commonly prescribed drugs at reducing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from controlled trials conducted worldwide between 1993 and 2022. There were 28 trials in which people with type 2 diabetes began a mind-body practice in addition to taking medication. These results were compared with people who only received medication to reduce their blood glucose levels. The range of mind-body practices included meditation, yoga, qigong, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Researchers found that, as a whole, the mind-body practices averaged a .84% reduction in hemoglobin A1c, a measure of the average blood glucose level. Yoga was noted as having the largest benefit, matching the most prescribed diabetes drug, metformin, by reducing A1c by 1%
Preventative Measures
This study suggests that mind-body practices could be used as a preventative measure against type 2 diabetes as well as a complementary nonpharmacological treatment. By combining healthy lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise with mind-body practices, those with type 2 diabetes may be able to manage their blood sugar levels better.
Healthy Blood Sugar Support is also an excellent way to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This unique formula uses a number of ingredients that have been proven in clinical studies. The health benefits of this Healthy Blood Sugar Support include supporting blood-sugar metabolism and promoting healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. Healthy Blood Sugar Support can also help to reduce excessive hunger or increased appetite, fatigue, and blood glucose spikes after meals.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
