Diabetes is a condition in which the body metabolism does not function properly. Usually when food is eaten, the body breaks it into mainly glucose. The glucose produced is then used by our cells both for the energy we need and for growth. However, the cells cannot absorb the glucose produced unless a special hormone produced in the pancreas called insulin is present. In some people, two problems usually occur in this process, first either the body does not produce insulin at all or second it produces insufficient insulin or the cells do not respond properly to the insulin produced. In these cases, the end result is excess glucose in the blood. This is the condition that is known as diabetes. When this occurs, instead of the glucose being absorbed by the cells it passes out through urine.

The two problems associated with insulin mentioned above give rise to the two types of diabetes. In diabetes type 1, insulin is not produced at all while is diabetes type 2 it is either insufficient or does not work properly. Both these types of diabetes are chronic. There is a third type of diabetes that is not chronic and is called Gestational diabetes. As the name suggest, this is associated with the gestation, i.e. the period when a mother is pregnant. Usually, after birth, the condition disappears. Mothers with gestational diabetes however have higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy while their children may develop the same later in life and may also become obese.

So, what causes diabetes? While this is not conclusively known, certain factors are associated with diabetes. It may be inherited, or caused by diets with high carbohydrates, proteins or fat. People who are obese, smoke or with high emotional stress are also known to be predisposed to diabetes as well as those advanced in years. Symptoms of diabetes include increased fatigue, weight loss, feeling hungry and thirsty a lot, urinating frequently. Others may include pain in the legs, frequent irritability and vision may be blurred.

Being a chronic condition, diabetes can only be managed. This involves controlling the levels of blood glucose, cholesterol and keeping blood pressure in check. To do this, one needs to watch their diet and use medicine when this is prescribed. Exercising regularly is highly recommended and is know to have helped many.

A good therapy for diabetes is Dahn Yoga. Several exercises in Dahn Yoga sessions are very helpful for diabetics. Besides the physical movements, the mental and emotional discipline that Dahn Yoga provides helps a patient manage what they eat, and what they think much better. The result of this is less stress and hence blood sugar and better health.