Others meditate to gain clarity, calmness, and focus in order to cope with overwhelming stress at work, in their relationships, or in their families. Then there are those who engage in the practise to manage conditions such as Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, while others do so to connect with their higher selves.  Specifically, meditative practises have demonstrated remarkable effects on diabetes markers. How can you meditate if you have an endless stream of thoughts flowing through your mind? Can meditation really aid in diabetes management? What is meditation exactly?

What exactly is meditation?

We define meditation as “the delicate art of doing nothing and letting go of all your efforts so that you can relax into your true nature, which is love, joy, and peace.”

Some of you may be thinking, “This is all well and good, but how can I let go when my mind is constantly racing with thoughts and I cannot sit still?”

How does SKY work?

It entails deep breathing techniques such as Ujjai breath (warrior breath) and pranayama, followed by the well-known Sudarshan Kriya, a technique of cyclical breathing. The practise concludes with an effortless meditative state in which practitioners report mental clarity, extended periods of thoughtlessness, a slower, more stable pulse rate, and a sense of inner peace. Sudarshan Kriya employs specific cyclical and rhythmic breathing patterns to induce a state of relaxation and alertness in the mind and body.

How does SKY assist manage type 2 diabetes?

On a spiritual level, regular practice of SKY increases self-awareness, connects you to your higher Self, enables you to halt the activity of your mind and life circumstances, and fosters a sense of well-being. The practice’s cognizance becomes a tool for behaviour modification. Practitioners tend to make better life decisions, consume a healthier and more Sattvic diet, and engage in fewer self-destructive behaviours when managing health conditions such as diabetes. As their self-awareness increases and they feel lighter and healthier as a result of the practises, they continue to make life decisions that support this sense of lightness and health. For instance, they may choose a salad over a high-carbohydrate burger or begin taking the stairs instead of the lift.

On a physical level, SKY enhances cellular metabolism by delivering sufficient oxygen to each body cell. Increased oxygenation has multiple positive effects on the mind-body complex. Multiple physiological indicators of insulin resistance, such as glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, are improved by SKY training, according to scientific studies.

The study

The benefits of SKY have been investigated in both open and randomised trials with healthy and diabetic participants. It substantially enhances feelings of well-being, optimism, and mental focus, as well as improves emotion regulation, which is essential for managing the triggers of high blood sugar. SKY is also associated with improved cardiorespiratory function, antioxidant status, and immune function. Numerous investigations on the effectiveness of SKY practise in the management of diabetes have been conducted.

In a recent study, an immediate reduction in blood sugar was observed following a Sudarshan Kriya session. 87 type 2 diabetics who practised SKY experienced a reduction in Oxidative Stress, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose level.

Using a commercially available glucometer, another technical investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of SKY on type 2 diabetes patients by measuring the glucose level in GCF. In a group of 30 individuals who underwent SKY training, the difference in glucose levels between before and after mastering the technique was astounding. The investigation revealed:

Patients who were otherwise healthy had a GCF glucose level of 86.27+/-63 mg/dL prior to SKY and 41.40+/-15.05 mg/dL after SKY (p = 0.022).

The GCF glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients was 142+/-33.87 mg/dL prior to SKY and 68.73+/-35.42 mg/dL after practise.

Researchers from the Universite de la Mediterranee in France examined the effects of ujjayi breathing on normal respiratory patterns and the resulting oxygen increase. Significant increases in exhalation duration and tidal volume were observed in the participants. The technique improves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with each inhalation. This results in improved cellular metabolism, a function impaired in diabetic patients due to inadequate insulin release. Insulin regulates the passage of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Meditation was also discovered to be an effective method for reducing oxidative stress, cortisol (a stress hormone), and psychosomatic stress.

The relationship between meditation and oxidative stress

According to research, yoga and meditation can reduce oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes patients by as much as 20%. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the organism is oxidative stress. Insulin resistance, diabetes, neuropathy, and other microvascular complications are associated with oxidative stress. The practise of SKY has also been shown to increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) that combat free radicals and keep you healthy and youthful. 

Meditation and Rest Quality and Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to experience sleep difficulties than those without diabetes. The frequent inclination to urinate at night, sleep apnea, and in some cases restless legs syndrome can cause insomnia in diabetics. A vicious cycle exists. As part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, lack of sleep can activate the stress response mechanism, causing the body to release more insulin than it can.

Quality rest is one of the most essential sources of energy for the human body. If you have the common diabetic symptoms, you may sleep eight hours and wake up feeling exhausted and unrested. According to research, the quality of rest your body receives from a daily 20-minute meditation practise is comparable to that of a decent six-hour sleep. In fact, regular meditation reduces the need for lengthy sleep durations to achieve adequate rest. A person who meditates can frequently sleep for six hours and then engage in highly productive activities.

Benefits

Among the extraordinary benefits of meditation are:

• Detoxification of negative beliefs and emotions
• A calm spirit
• Improved concentration and mental acuity
• Improvement in communication
• Blossoming of abilities and talents
• Inner fortitude and recovery
• Ability to connect to the higher Self and to the same source in everyone else around you.
• Rejuvenation and relaxation.

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