Can meditation lower blood glucose averages in patients with diabetes?
Can meditation lower blood glucose averages in patients with diabetes?
According to a new meta-analysis[1] of mind body practices such as yoga and meditation can lower blood glucose averages in people with diabetes.
While there is a lot of heterogeneity among the types of mind body practices and even within a group like yoga, the good news is that there does seem to be a benefit with most types.
This makes sense since stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and growth hormone can indirectly increase blood glucose and insulin levels.
Bottom line?
Using mind body techniques such as meditation, yoga, qidong, tai chi and mindfulness or using behavioral therapy to lower stress levels is good for mental health and may also lower blood glucose levels which in turn could mean lower doses or fewer diabetes medications being needed.
It goes without saying that follow-up with treating healthcare providers is vital in the management of diabetes.