Biotypes or personality link and health though a comparatively new concept in modern medicine was known to Yogis of ancient days. They attributed diseased conditions to certain ways of working of the mind. Diabetes and biotypes has not been conclusively researched, but it has been found that there is a definite relationship between blood sugar levels and life styles which also includes attitudes and conceptions. Thus the line of treatment in yoga would be to first make the diabetic accept the disease. Though it has been known that a diabetic unless having a pancreatic transplant, has to be with the disease throughout life, Yoga does not take the stance that the disease can be wished away, but it is of the view that the disease forces one to learn certain basic rules of good health which can control the disease. Once the disease is accepted and not moaned over, the person can introduce the idea of self discipline in areas of food, exercise, skin care, habits, and thought patterns. When one accepts diabetes, one has to change, but yoga puts the proposition that change is for one's own vibrant survival. Thus yoga takes the outlook of education. Yoga with its vastness of looking at life, can make the diabetic understand that when life is viewed in an accepting realistic, joyful way, it helps in the management of the disease.

To accept the disease, Yoga believes that it would help if the facts of the disease are made clear to the person. A better understanding of the disease would go a long way in seeing why the person does not have to indulge in certain kinds of foods, or why certain hygienic rules have to be scruplously observed. This was done during the camp by Dr. Ajgaonkar.

Diet is the foundation on which the treatment of diabetes mellitus is based. As there is a low tolerance for carbohydrates in diabetes, a check is kept on them, but adequate amounts of proteins which can be easily digested, is stressed in yoga. The consumption of fat is also kept minimum as it is known that consumption of fat is also kept minimum as it is known that with the increase in fat, obesity would be caused. Maintenance of weight at an optimum level is desirable in diabetes. Light Satvic, food, at regular intervals, is recommended in yoga. The diabetic on insulin might need frequent meals and these are allowed, but eventually food has to be recognised as essential for life and the whole of one's life has not to be geared to food.

All diabetics need exercise. Exercise forms a cornerstone of the yogic management as well.

The asanas which would help the diabetic without complications would be Sudhasana, for conditioning and quietening. Vajrasana can be used for introspection. Talasana and Yastikasana, for stretching the spine vertically and for exercising the extremities. Forward bending and abdominal compression asanas like Yogamudra, Hastapadasana, Paschimottanasana, would help. Backward bending asanas like Chakrasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, would also help in circulation. Konasan 1,2,3 would aid in sideways spinal ben and might indirectly help to activate the liver and pancreas. In many diabetics, the circulation to the legs can be faulty, so some of the head low postures like Sarvangasana and Viparitakarani could be beneficial. It is essential for diabetics to time their exercises in a sensible way. Yoga lays down that the asanas should be done on an empty stomach, but a diabetic should eat something immediately after exercise. This is all the more necessary for people on insulin as there may be the danger of a hypoglycaemic reaction.

Walking is a safe way of burning off calories and Yoga recommends that this would help to relax and remove tension.

It has been often noticed that diabetics tend to have great variations in moods. The diabetic has to be made to understand that an element 'Mitihara' or moderation coupled with a strict regimen of routines of work, rest, and recreation would help.

Emotions affect all disease conditions. Thus, the diabetic has to be made to see the link between his negativity and blood sugar level. Cultivating positive emotions of faith, joy, friendliness, compassion, joy in the joy of others and an attitude of non-violent non-co-operation are not idealistic platitudes for the diabetics but a very important line of treatment.

Pratipaksabhavana, is an excellent practice where the person when overpowered by negative emotions can dwell on the contrary positive ones.

SOME RECIPES DISTRIBUTED TO THE DIABETIC CAMPERS

Missi Roti

Ingredients:
Bengal gram flour - 85gms
Wheat Flour - 115gms
Fenugreek leaves or soya leaves - 230gms
Oil - 30gms
Salt to taste
Water as required

Method:

1. All ingredients, except oil are mixed and kneaded into dough.
2. Small portion of dough are made into chapatis on flat board with rolling pin and placed on heated iron pan.
3. Chapati is turned when slightly baked; half a teasponful of oil is poured and chapatis fried on both sides.
4. It can also be cooked in Tandoor.

Curry

Ingredients:
Bengal gram dal flour - 20gms
Butter milk - 600gms
Turmeric - 1/2 tsp.
Coriander seeds to taste

Method:

1. Bengal gram dal flour is mixed with buttermilk, salt, turmeric and the mixture is kept aside.
2. Coriander seeds are fried in oil.
3. Plenty of water is added to the above and cooked, stirring all the time till thick, and till the raw flavour disappears.

Brinjal Bhurtha

Ingredients:
Brinjal - 115gms
Tomato - 30gms
Coriander leaves 1
Oil - 5gms

Method:

1. Brinjal smeared with a little oil is roasted on fire; peeled washed, mashed and kept aside.
2. Tomato is added and fried for a little while; salt and mashed brinjal added and fried till blurtha does not stick to the sides of the pan; chopped coriander leaves are then added.

Khaman Dhokla

Ingredients:
Moong Dal Flour - 55gms
Butter milk - 140gms
Mustard seeds - 1tsp
Oil - 1tsp
Turmeric - 2gms
Ginger - 1/2"
Asafoetida (Optional) - pinch
Coriander leaves - 1 tsp
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Moong dal is soaked overnight, ground and then soaked in buttermilk and allowed to ferment for eighteen to ginger are added to the above and steamed till set (called poured over Dhokla which is then cut into small pieces.
2. Coriander leaves may be added along with mustard.