Mindfulness meditation is a tool that allows a person to remain present and non-judgmental while staying rooted in the present moment. And just like physical exercise mindfulness requires an ongoing commitment to the practice. But if you’re a diabetic, embracing a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program will not only help you reduce stress, mindfulness can also lower blood sugar.
There are countless mindfulness techniques, but if you’re a diabetic, you are gong to want to find a meditation technique that is right for you, because embracing a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program will not only help you reduce stress, mindfulness can also lower blood sugar.
“Our study suggests that MBSR could be a useful tool for preventing or treating diabetes in patients with overweight or obesity,” lead author of the study, Dr. Nazia Raja-Khan from Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania, insists. The researchers believe mindfulness can contribute to lower blood sugar levels and simultaneous decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
As part of the Penn State study, 86 overweight women were divided into two factions: the first group was provided a course of MBSR training while the second group of women was asked to take part in a health education program which focused on exercise and diet.
After the eight-week and 16-week mark of the study, researchers measured their stress levels, blood pressure, weight, sleep quality and blood sugar levels. Once the results were tabulated it was determined that stress and blood sugar levels were lower is the MSBR group compared to the second group that was following an exercise and diet program.
Now if you are suffering from diabetes you have to be impressed. The MBSR group’s blood sugar was reduced by about 9 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
The study cautiously concluded: “In women with overweight or obesity, MBSR significantly reduces stress and may have beneficial effects on glucose. Future studies demonstrating long-term cardiometabolic benefits of MBSR will be key for establishing MBSR as an effective tool in the management of obesity.”
In closing, don’t let stress get you down and send your blood sugar soaring. Embrace mindfulness and let go of all the stress and anxiety that may be complicating your health and well-being.
