Can a patient with chronic diabetes try yoga for a good physical and mental health?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been having diabetes for the last four years, which is under control. I would like to know if my mental health would be affected gradually as my diabetes becomes chronic. Can I try yoga to maintain good physical and mental health?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern regarding the long-term effects of having diabetes. Diabetes is nothing but a condition in which the body is unable to bring down blood glucose on its own and hence it needs outside help that is medications and insulin. The end goal here is to bring the sugars to normal levels. If your sugars are well under control, it means you have a body physiology just like non-diabetics - meaning that the chances of you developing any kind of disease are just as same as non-diabetics. For maintaining mental health it is important to have a healthy social circle, healthy habits and nutrition, and a healthy stress coping mechanism. All these can be achieved by regular exercise, yoga and meditation, and a good social support system. One thing to note here is that as a diabetic, you have certain dietary restrictions, and that can induce micronutrient deficiencies. Please ask your doctor for any supplements you may take to address this. I hope this helps, take care.

Thank you.