This is a guest post written by Rachel Zinman. She is the author of the book Yoga for Diabetes. She also writes regularly on her blog Yoga for Diabetes.

I didn’t expect to be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 42 nearly 25 years into my career as a global yoga teacher but if there’s one life lesson I’ve learned since my diagnosis, it’s to expect the unexpected.

I started practicing yoga when I was 17 and became passionate about its meaning and message in my early 20’s. The physical joy I felt from the practice was only one aspect of why I was drawn to yoga. Yoga through its multifaceted approach to breath, posture, and meditation supported me in letting go of deep-seated anxiety. Whatever challenges came my way yoga was there. This was especially true at diagnosis.

At first, my blood glucose levels were only slightly elevated so it was easy to go into denial. Maybe it was a parasite I’d picked up in East Asia or a sensitivity to chemicals in the environment. I visited acupuncturists, naturopaths, homeopaths and ayurvedic doctors, had every test and every remedy. When my blood sugars didn’t budge I took matters into my own hands by fasting, walking up hills and ignoring my doctor’s pleas to start medication.

Then my hands started tingling when I touched different surfaces. Because it started after I’d used an immersion blender I assumed it was no big deal. To reassure myself I googled “ buzzing in hands” and got “ Zinc and B12 deficiency”. No problem, I’ll just dose up on my vitamins. Things got worse, my feet began to buzz. I ignored it.

A few months later, having gotten used to feeling “wired” I casually mentioned my symptoms to a doctor friend. He immediately showed concern and asked about my overall blood glucose levels. I shrugged my shoulders having no idea what they were. Did I have other symptoms? Sure. I was peeing like crazy and super tired. But that had been my life since diagnosis. Wasn't that just diabetes? He didn’t seem to think so and wrote me a referral to a neurologist.

If you’ve ever had your nerves tested you’ll know it’s not a pleasant experience. Tiny electrodes placed on your hands and feet, which when stimulated measure the response rate of your nerve endings. After a grueling and painful 30 minute test I received my results. Mild nerve damage and the beginning of neuropathy. My HbA1c-a blood test which shows how much glucose sticks to the red blood cell over a three month period was 10.7. I was sent home with strict instructions to get my blood glucose levels under control or I’d have permanent nerve damage.

I went home that day in disgrace. How could I have let things get so out of hand? I was supposed to put my health and wellbeing first. I was a yoga teacher! From that day forward I made my health a priority. I started insulin and over time managed to reverse my neuropathy. But I haven’t stopped there.

Even though diabetes is a bitter pill to swallow I have used my daily yoga practice as the sweet antidote. It has helped me to reduce my stress, kept me focused, disciplined and helped to strengthen my immune system. There are actually so many benefits to the practice of yoga for someone living with diabetes. I can’t emphasize it enough.

Yoga is for everybody, not just the fit and flexible. Yoga can be done seated, lying down, even a few minutes of focused breathing in the checkout line will change your headspace. When people tell me they have never tried yoga before and have no idea where to start I encourage them to look for a yoga studio nearby and start with a beginners class. Even a one on one session with a recommended teacher is a good place to get the basics before you head to a group session. Yoga is not one size fits all and depending on your individual constitution not all yoga styles are made equal. Make sure you find a practice you resonate with that's fits your schedule.

Yoga should fit into your life, life shouldn’t have to fit around yoga.

Since my diagnosis, my yoga practice has kept me sane. It’s taught me that no matter the challenge it doesn’t help to panic or get frustrated. Instead of reacting I stop, take a breath and remind myself. Even though I have a disease I can never be the disease. This simple thought makes all the difference.

[comment]