How laughter yoga helps in diabetes
Diabetes is the most rampant disease in the world today, with more than 500 million people affected by it. It is a serious condition and a major cause of kidney failure, heart attacks, blindness, stroke, limb amputations, dental problems and nerve disorders.
A chronic disease, it occurs when there is an imbalance of sugar level in the blood. This is regulated by the pancreas which produces a hormone called insulin, which helps to regulate the blood sugar. But sometimes, the body is unable to produce insulin or it is not enough which leads to a diabetic condition, as glucose then remains in the blood and over time too much of it becomes a health hazard. Although there is no cure for diabetes, the condition can be effectively reversed with healthy food habits and lifestyle.
Different types of diabetes: The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by symptoms like excessive excretion of urine, thirst, constant hunger, vision changes, fatigue and weight loss. It is usually common in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. In this type, the body does not produce insulin at all and people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common, when the body does not make or use insulin well. One can get this type at any age but it mostly affects middle-aged and older people. One is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they have a family history or if they are overweight. Physical inactivity, genetic reasons and certain health problems such as high blood pressure also affect your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes usually develops during pregnancy and goes away after birth. However, if one has had gestational diabetes, they are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
How Laughter Yoga Helps in Diabetes
While laughter yoga may not directly treat diabetes, it can be a helpful complementary therapy for people with diabetes.
Here are some ways that laughter yoga may be beneficial for people with diabetes:
Reduces stress: Laughter yoga has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help to lower blood sugar levels. Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can cause the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise. By reducing stress, laughter yoga may help to prevent or manage high blood sugar levels.
Boosts mood: Laughter yoga can help to boost mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. This can be particularly helpful for people with diabetes, who may experience depression or anxiety related to their condition.
Promotes physical activity: Laughter yoga involves movement and physical activity, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes. Regular physical activity can help to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Enhances immune function: Laughter has been shown to enhance immune function by increasing the production of antibodies and activating immune cells. This can be particularly helpful for people with diabetes, who may be at higher risk for infections.
Improves social support: Laughter yoga is often practiced in a group setting, which can provide social support and a sense of community. This can be helpful for people with diabetes, who may benefit from social support in managing their condition.
It is important to note that laughter yoga should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment for diabetes. It can, however, be a helpful complementary therapy that can promote overall health and well-being. As with any new exercise program, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider before starting laughter yoga.
