If you are worried about not being able to take up yoga because of diabetes, read this, because we explain how to do yoga with diabetes.

A diabetes diagnosis can be very stressful, especially at first. The ignorance, worry and having to adapt to so many new things can cause stress or anxiety, which translates into bigger variations in blood sugar. If you are considering yoga as a way of escape and a form of training, in this article we explain why you should do yoga with diabetes, what benefits it has and we give you some tips for you to practice it safely.

Yoga with diabetes is more than possible

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Exercise is an essential part of the life of a person with diabetes, since, apart from improving your fitness, it also helps you to have better glucose control. It is recommended that people with diabetes get at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity, such as yoga, but why is yoga with diabetes a good option?

Yoga is an activity that is based on stretching and tension of the body and goes beyond physical activity: it seeks inner harmony, well-being and health. It is also an exercise that has no age or physical condition limits, as it can be done by anyone regardless of whether you are 20 or 50 years old or if you have done sports before or not. In addition, it is an inexpensive and comfortable sport to practice, since no accessories or machines are required and you can do it from the comfort of your home.

Apart from all that has been said above, yoga with diabetes is beneficial as it can reduce stress levels. This factor can greatly alter blood glucose levels, so having it under control is essential. The postures and movements practiced help to combat hypertension, heart conditions and poor circulation also.

Tips for practicing yoga with diabetes

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If you want to practice yoga with diabetes, here are some tips that you may find useful:

Find a teacher to guide you in practicing yoga with diabetes

If you are just starting your journey in yoga and do not know how to start, it is recommended that you look for a teacher to help you and explain the first notions. To do this, you have the option of doing it from home with an online teacher or, if you prefer, you can go to a gym and sign up for beginners classes.

Don’t forget to mention that you have diabetes

It is very important to tell your yoga instructor that you have diabetes so that he/she can adapt the workouts to your situation. In addition, it will allow you to stop to eat during the workout if you need to, or to stop the workout permanently if you feel sick. In addition, it should also take into account your physical condition for the level of demand.

Don’t force yourself

When you start doing yoga you will gradually adapt your body to the instructor’s demands. The beginning of the classes will be done gradually to warm up the muscles, so you should not force yourself, as you could get injured.

Measure your levels when doing yoga with diabetes

Keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels is very important while you are in your yoga class because, although it may not seem like it, you will be burning calories as you do physical effort. Also, don’t forget to check your blood glucose levels before you start, to know if you are in the right range, and to check your blood glucose levels afterwards to avoid hypoglycemia. Assistants such as Cori will make this process much easier thanks to their graphs and reminders.

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People with diabetes are especially vulnerable to the dangers of colds and the flu, but there are things you can do to control your symptoms and avoid getting sick in the first place. You may maintain your health even when you’re feeling under the weather by constantly monitoring your blood sugar levels, staying hydrated, getting enough of rest, and adhering to your diabetes management plan. Additionally, you may lower your risk of getting sick and safeguard yourself from any problems by maintaining proper cleanliness, being vaccinated, and generally maintaining good health. Make sure to discuss any worries you may have with your healthcare team for advice and support if you have diabetes and are worried about managing colds and the flu.

Enjoy your workouts

Yoga is a sport that seeks self-awareness of the body and its connection with the mind. Therefore, the most important part of practicing it is to enjoy it and be aware of the well-being it produces in you.

Which yoga discipline with diabetes is more appropriate?

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Yoga also has different modalities that focus on various objectives, so you should also find the one that best suits you and that you like the most.

  • Hatha yoga: This version of yoga is the most common and the most ideal for diabetes, since postures and meditation techniques are performed at a slow rhythm.
  • Kundalini: This version combines postures, breathing, mantras and meditation and is ideal for people who want something simple to learn to relax.
  • Viniyoga: Viniyoga is based on the consciousness of the body’s movement, so each posture is held for a long time and connected to the breath.
  • Restorative yoga: The main goal of restorative yoga is to become completely relaxed while practicing 5 or 6 different gentle postures per session.

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