"Mindfulness" Meditation: A New Way to Help Diabetics?

Research is showing a certain type of meditation may help people suffering from diabetes. This stress reduction works in many different ways and provides calming strategies as well as ways to discipline the mind.

"There is little research on this process when it comes to this treatment of diabetes," Joseph B. Nelson, MA, LP, CST, told Ivanhoe. He defines mindfulness as "intentional awareness of each moment; non judgmental; internal and external awareness." Nelson stresses mindfulness is not about relaxing; rather, it is about becoming fully awake and aware. In addition, Nelson said, "Mindfulness is not meditation; it's a way to live."

Nelson believes through mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), people with diabetes will be able to relieve stress and anxiety. At the 2010 American Diabetes Association Conference, Nelson talked about a pilot study that was conducted on diabetic patients. He said through the practice of MBSR, patients showed lower blood pressure levels as well as reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. (MORE)

Source: Ivanhoe.com