Stop Diabetes Movement 2021 - Report
Executive Summary
Abstract
This study observes the effects of yoga on the participants who have diabetes. SEWA, in the USA chapter, has been working in collaboration with Yoga Bharati to bring this free opportunity for interested people who want to take advantage of this workshop to understand how yoga can help people with diabetes.
Methods
There were 11 participants in the workshop, 4 of whom were men and 7 of whom were women. Five participants completed the pre- and post-assessments.
Results
There was an overall improvement in quality of life including a reduction in weight, and waist circumference. In one of the cases, there was even evidence of a reduction in blood pressure.
Conclusion
We found that Yoga for Diabetes Management and Metabolic disorders, even when practiced online only for a short duration, helped to reduce one’s waist circumference, build self-awareness, and improve quality of life.
Workshop Objectives
The main objective of this workshop is to help people manage diabetes therapeutically through SDM (Stop Diabetes Movement). The goal was to provide group therapy to help participants regain their normal functioning and boost their self-confidence.
The other objective of this workshop was to spread awareness of diabetes and how a quality lifestyle can play an important role in keeping diabetes in check.
Materials and Methods
Participants
There were 40 participants registered for the workshop. However, only 11 completed the health survey, including 7 women and 4 men.
Design
The workshop duration was 3 weeks. Before the workshop, participants were asked to complete a self-health assessment form. Sessions were conducted online and each session was 90 minutes long. In total, there were 4 sessions per week. An hour-long information session by an endocrinologist and dietician was included, to explain the underlying causes of diabetes and to bring balance to life with the consumption of healthy food.
Methods and Intervention
The design of yoga therapy included practices to increase the blood flow in the abdominal region and to activate the pancreas and metabolic system. Practices such as cleansing kriya, pranayama, MSRT(Mind Sound Resonance Technique), and other techniques involving twisting, compressing, and stretching were given. This workshop focussed on providing relaxation and restorative techniques to enable the participants to move from sympathetic(fight or flight) mode to parasympathetic response.
As part of the workshop routine, participants initially engaged in breathing practices such as Sahaja Pranayama. These techniques were used to help redirect their outward senses inward. Over time, participants learned to focus on each sensation they experienced. They were educated about the mechanics of breathing, understanding that it is subconsciously regulated by the respiratory center located at the base of the brain.
Slow and controlled movements with rhythmic breathing were practiced to calm the rajasic(speedy) nature.
Then, the focus was on the practices that would help stimulate the pancreas and other abdominal organs.
Fast-paced practices were given to increase the blood flow and energize all the cells in the body.
Relaxation techniques like IRT, QRT, and DRT were imparted between the invigorating practices to bring deeper relaxation to the mind and body.
Kriyas like Kapalabathi and Agnisara Kriya, Bandhas like Uddiyana bandha were practiced to enhance metabolic functioning.
Concepts on mindfulness, stress, Pancha prana, pranayama, Ayurveda, and karma yoga were shared to understand how these things impact diabetes.
Participants were told that Yoga can be integrated into their lifestyle by using the techniques described above and weaving them into their routine.
Feedback from Participants
Atleast one participant reported regulated pressure and improved fasting blood sugar numbers.
One participant reported an improvement in their frozen shoulder
A couple of participants reported that they lost weight.
Overall, people reported improvement in their quality of life.
Assessments
A Self-Health Assessment form was used, which included questions on their lifestyle, demography, and chronic conditions. Basic and vital parameters such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, Fasting Blood Sugar, and Total Cholesterol were compiled as part of this assessment.
Data Analysis
Data was analyzed using Google spreadsheets pre-data, post-data, and simple charts. Nature of the project being an observational and subjective study, this report focused on the Therapist’s observations, Assessment reports, and individual feedback collection based on post-workshop informal interviews.
Results
Graphs were produced to show differences in pre and post-data. The below graphs show the following:
A noteworthy decrease in participants’ weight of 1-3 pounds throughout the workshop
A highly commendable reduction of 1-4 inches in the circumference of the waist
A notable reduction of 2-8 inches in the circumference of the hip
A marginal improvement in the quality of the sleep pattern.
Effect of Yoga on Participants
Information on different concepts such as stress, mindfulness, food, etc. helped the participants understand how these can affect their level of diabetes and their quality of life.
A session of 90 minutes duration was conducive to deepening the holistic practice.
Conclusion and Discussions:
Yoga for Diabetes Management and Metabolic Disorders helps to reduce waist circumference and build self-awareness.
Since the workshop did not have a compensation model to encourage participants to complete the workshop in its entirety and provide the post-data. It was found that a lot of participants were irregular and/or didn’t complete the post-health survey. The workshop should be extended to have a duration of 2-3 months to be able to make an impact on the participants and to study the results better.