As noted in my posts on the Metarobics Facebook page, based on new research related to reversing diabetes, this research may provide additional support for Metarobic effects on diabetes, resulting from the practice of breath focused forms of Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga. Once you have full blown diabetes (as opposed to pre-diabetes), it had been considered medically irreversible. This is due to the permanent destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. Put simply, beta cells synthesize and secrete insulin, the destruction of which leads to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes don't produce insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes don't respond well to insulin and later in the disease often don't make enough insulin.
However new research challenges the belief that beta cell function is irreversibly lost in those with type 2 diabetes (1-3). Studies show that beta cell activity might be restored through the effects of various metabolic factors (1-4). Since breath focused relaxation exercises have been shown to affect oxygen metabolism (5), it is possible that these exercises may have other metabolic effects as well.
This may apply to type one diabetes as well. A new Stanford study (6) shows that alpha cells in mice can also convert to insulin-producing beta cells, suggesting that a similar mechanism may occur in people with diabetes. Studies of human cadavers with type 1 diabetes showed that when beta cells were destroyed from diabetes, that about one percent of the alpha cells in the pancreas begin to look and act like beta cells. This happens naturally, in a very slow and gradual manner. Considering the story of Keith (discussed below), it may be possible that Metarobic effects speed up this process, by enhancing cellular function and metabolic flux. Some treatments are examining the use of drugs which affect cell death resulting from hypoxia (oxygen deficiency in the tissues), and may help with re-oxygenation, which may also be a factor in diabetes (7).
It would be nice to think that Metarobic exercises such as breath focused forms of Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga would magically restore health and reverse diabetes. But one thing which needs to be kept in mind is the amount of dedicated practice performed by those who have experienced “miraculous” recoveries. As noted below, Keith, who feels that his yoga practice helped him to reverse his type one diabetes, engaged in hours of practice each day. This is similar to those who say that a Metarobic exercise reversed stage four cancer, many who had been given only two to three weeks to live. Whether or not research supports that such dedicated practice could have such an effect on health for most people, it would take a major life decision and restructuring to have this kind of dedication.
But even if not practical for most people, it would be worth researching to determine if style and method of practice could impact the amount of practice necessary to get various levels of beneficial effects, including decreased use of insulin, and less negative side effects, such as loss of limbs. Many of the case stories I have collected reported some level of benefit for their diabetes, even for moderate practitioners (5) In the meantime, below is the first article I wrote on this topic, which goes into more detail into the two people who feel that a Metarobic exercise cured their type one diabetes:
Can Metarobics Help Cure Type One Diabetes?
When I first looked at diabetes, I was uncertain how much Metarobic exercises could affect type one diabetes. But then I came across case stories documenting diabetics who needed much less insulin, and in one case, an actual reversal of type one diabetes (see below). Metarobic theory and research indicates how and why these exercises may reduce insulin dependence, but since insulin producing beta cells have been destroyed in type one diabetes, it would seem impossible to reverse this condition. However, like cancer, if Metarobic exercise were to have a direct effect on type one diabetes and pancreatic health (and possible recovery), dosage would likely be a key aspect (see Keith’s story below). Most studies for chronic conditions have patients learning Tai Chi or similar exercises two to three times a week, for an hour or so. And without a Metarobic approach, learning can be very different from actual practice of these exercises.
Some scientists are researching possible links between certain viruses and diabetes (8,9), in which case, since it has been shown that Tai Chi can help the body combat viruses as a whole (10-11). then there may be some preventive effect via a secondary approach. Potential benefits of Metarobic exercises may relate to hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and diabetes, due to the interactions between high blood sugar and hypoxia, and effects on cytosolic and mitochondrial free NADH (an enzyme involved with metabolic pathways and linked to diabetic complications) (12). The main points of interest is that hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency, is once more a culprit in poor health outcomes. This indicates the importance of investigating potential effects of Metarobic type exercises such as Tai Chi on hypoxic conditions. See Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi5 for an overview of Metarobic theory and diabetic research, including other metabolic consequences of diabetes, and potential effects on pancreatic cell death.
Keith’s Cure and Type One Diabetes
Following is the case story of Keith Ram Prakash Curbow, who believes that Metarobic exercises and diet cured him of type one diabetes (documented by his doctor, see links below). Part of what Keith feels cured his type one diabetes was the mindfulness based effects on stress and anxiety, as a mind/body practice. As a sophomore in a New York high school, he had been dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety, mental anguish and depression. He then began to suffer the typical symptoms of diabetes - excessive thirst, frequent urination, insatiable hunger, significant weight loss and changes in vision. Doctors did tests, and confirmed type one diabetes. Keith began taking normal doses (on the lower end) of insulin injections. In college he started mindfulness meditation, which he said helped with his blood sugars, so that he could cut his insulin. He also started to eat healthier. He cut down on his carbohydrates, and ate more whole grains. Keith stated that when he was consistent with his meditation, he was taking only two to three total units of insulin (Sitting meditation can also be a metarobic practice, by focusing on relaxation and the breath. As noted in my book).
Then Keith’s former boss, who did Yoga, suggested that he try a Kundalini Yoga class which focused on meditation and the breath. After eight months of consistent practice, Keith needed almost no insulin. He also completely stopped eating any kind of grain and milk. He progressed to not needing any insulin. Initially he experienced headaches, sweating, irritability and discomfort, which he attributed to sugar withdrawals. But these symptoms went away in a short time. At times he stated he would eat a pizza, and his blood sugar would only be 90 an hour later. If his blood sugar did spike (to 190-220), such as after eating a power bar, he would do some metarobic exercises such as Qigong or Yoga, instead of taking insulin. One Qigong exercise, called the watermill exercise, would bring his blood sugar down from the high levels to 80-120 within 20 minutes (normal ranges are considered to be under 100 before eating, and under 140 two hours after eating). He would also use walking as an exercise, with a focus on the breath and stretching through the pancreatic meridian, while visualizing electricity or Qi stimulating his pancreas. By the end of the walk, his blood sugar was in the normal range.
As with all Metarobic exercises, dosage was an important factor for such a severe condition. Keith was waking up at 4:30 in the morning to do two and a half hours of yoga, in addition to his evening and other practices. He stated that discipline was key for making these changes. Keith noted that it was worth it, for it gave him peace of mind, and he feels it cured his type one diabetes. His blood sugar is now consistently in the 70’s when he wakes up in the morning. He even tried a double scoop ice cream cone, and experienced normal blood sugar measurements (one hour after just below 160, 90 minutes after 130, and two hours after within the normal range at 100). He noted that he did this as a test, but does not eat ice cream on a regular basis, since it is not healthy. Keith’s endocrinologist feels that there must have been beta cells still functioning, and that the new diet and Metarobic practices may have arrested the auto-immune response, and allowed beta cell regeneration. Surprisingly, Keith stated that diabetes was the best thing that ever happened to him – it forced him to re-evaluate and change his lifestyle, to become healthier in mind and body than he ever would have been without diabetes. If you would like to read Ram Keith’s full account of his battle with diabetes, and notes from his endocrinologist please see the links below. It will take a lot of research to discover if and exactly how Metarobic exercises may affect various forms of diabetes.
References
From Keith’s Blogs:
http://type1nomore.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-diabetes-history.html
http://type1nomore.blogspot.com/2013/08/info-from-my-endocrinologist.html
Medical References:
1. Lim EL, Hollingsworth KG, Aribisala BS, Chen MJ, Mathers JC, Taylor R. Reversal of type 2 diabetes: normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol. Diabetologia. 2011; 54(10): 2506–2514.
2. Taylor R, Al-Mrabeh A, Zhyzhneuskayaet S, et al. Remission of Human Type 2 Diabetes Requires Decrease in Liver and Pancrease Fat Content but Is Dependent upon Capacity for B Cell Recovery. 2018; Ahead of print. Cell Metab. Available at: https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(18)30446-7.
3. Lean MEJ, Leslie WS, Barnes AC, et al. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): An open-label cluster randomized trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10120):541-551.
4. Doheny, K. Reversing Diabetes By Awakening Beta Cells—Nearly There. Endocrineweb, Research Updates. Available at: https://www.endocrineweb.com/professional/diabetes-complications/awaking-beta-cells-getting-closer-reversing-diabetes
5. Gryffin PA. Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi. YMAA Publications, August 2018.
6. Stanford News. Pancreatic islet cells in animals can ‘flip’ their fate to produce insulin. Available at: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/02/pancreatic-islet-cells-in-animals-can-flip-their-fate-to-produce.html
7. In Vitro Effects of Thymoglobulin in Human Embryonic Kidney Cell Line (HEK293) in Culture. Transplant Proc. 2016. 48(8): 2840-2844. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.07.030 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27788827
8. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). Causes of Diabetes. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/causes/
9. 10 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/overview/
10. Yang Y, Verkuilen J, Rosengren KS, Mariani RA, Reed M, Grubisich SA, Woods JA. Effects of a Taiji and Qigong intervention on the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults. American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2007; 35(4):597-607.
11. Yeh, S., Chuang, H., Lin, L., Hsiao, C. & Eng, H. (2006). Regular tai chi exercise enhances functional mobility and CD4CD25 regulatory T cells. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, 239-243.
12. Nyengaard JR, Ido Y, Kilo C, Williamson JR. Interactions Between Hyperglycemia and Hypoxia: Implications for Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetes. 2004; 53(11): 2931-2938
However new research challenges the belief that beta cell function is irreversibly lost in those with type 2 diabetes (1-3). Studies show that beta cell activity might be restored through the effects of various metabolic factors (1-4). Since breath focused relaxation exercises have been shown to affect oxygen metabolism (5), it is possible that these exercises may have other metabolic effects as well.
This may apply to type one diabetes as well. A new Stanford study (6) shows that alpha cells in mice can also convert to insulin-producing beta cells, suggesting that a similar mechanism may occur in people with diabetes. Studies of human cadavers with type 1 diabetes showed that when beta cells were destroyed from diabetes, that about one percent of the alpha cells in the pancreas begin to look and act like beta cells. This happens naturally, in a very slow and gradual manner. Considering the story of Keith (discussed below), it may be possible that Metarobic effects speed up this process, by enhancing cellular function and metabolic flux. Some treatments are examining the use of drugs which affect cell death resulting from hypoxia (oxygen deficiency in the tissues), and may help with re-oxygenation, which may also be a factor in diabetes (7).
It would be nice to think that Metarobic exercises such as breath focused forms of Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga would magically restore health and reverse diabetes. But one thing which needs to be kept in mind is the amount of dedicated practice performed by those who have experienced “miraculous” recoveries. As noted below, Keith, who feels that his yoga practice helped him to reverse his type one diabetes, engaged in hours of practice each day. This is similar to those who say that a Metarobic exercise reversed stage four cancer, many who had been given only two to three weeks to live. Whether or not research supports that such dedicated practice could have such an effect on health for most people, it would take a major life decision and restructuring to have this kind of dedication.
But even if not practical for most people, it would be worth researching to determine if style and method of practice could impact the amount of practice necessary to get various levels of beneficial effects, including decreased use of insulin, and less negative side effects, such as loss of limbs. Many of the case stories I have collected reported some level of benefit for their diabetes, even for moderate practitioners (5) In the meantime, below is the first article I wrote on this topic, which goes into more detail into the two people who feel that a Metarobic exercise cured their type one diabetes:
Can Metarobics Help Cure Type One Diabetes?
When I first looked at diabetes, I was uncertain how much Metarobic exercises could affect type one diabetes. But then I came across case stories documenting diabetics who needed much less insulin, and in one case, an actual reversal of type one diabetes (see below). Metarobic theory and research indicates how and why these exercises may reduce insulin dependence, but since insulin producing beta cells have been destroyed in type one diabetes, it would seem impossible to reverse this condition. However, like cancer, if Metarobic exercise were to have a direct effect on type one diabetes and pancreatic health (and possible recovery), dosage would likely be a key aspect (see Keith’s story below). Most studies for chronic conditions have patients learning Tai Chi or similar exercises two to three times a week, for an hour or so. And without a Metarobic approach, learning can be very different from actual practice of these exercises.
Some scientists are researching possible links between certain viruses and diabetes (8,9), in which case, since it has been shown that Tai Chi can help the body combat viruses as a whole (10-11). then there may be some preventive effect via a secondary approach. Potential benefits of Metarobic exercises may relate to hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and diabetes, due to the interactions between high blood sugar and hypoxia, and effects on cytosolic and mitochondrial free NADH (an enzyme involved with metabolic pathways and linked to diabetic complications) (12). The main points of interest is that hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency, is once more a culprit in poor health outcomes. This indicates the importance of investigating potential effects of Metarobic type exercises such as Tai Chi on hypoxic conditions. See Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi5 for an overview of Metarobic theory and diabetic research, including other metabolic consequences of diabetes, and potential effects on pancreatic cell death.
Keith’s Cure and Type One Diabetes
Following is the case story of Keith Ram Prakash Curbow, who believes that Metarobic exercises and diet cured him of type one diabetes (documented by his doctor, see links below). Part of what Keith feels cured his type one diabetes was the mindfulness based effects on stress and anxiety, as a mind/body practice. As a sophomore in a New York high school, he had been dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety, mental anguish and depression. He then began to suffer the typical symptoms of diabetes - excessive thirst, frequent urination, insatiable hunger, significant weight loss and changes in vision. Doctors did tests, and confirmed type one diabetes. Keith began taking normal doses (on the lower end) of insulin injections. In college he started mindfulness meditation, which he said helped with his blood sugars, so that he could cut his insulin. He also started to eat healthier. He cut down on his carbohydrates, and ate more whole grains. Keith stated that when he was consistent with his meditation, he was taking only two to three total units of insulin (Sitting meditation can also be a metarobic practice, by focusing on relaxation and the breath. As noted in my book).
Then Keith’s former boss, who did Yoga, suggested that he try a Kundalini Yoga class which focused on meditation and the breath. After eight months of consistent practice, Keith needed almost no insulin. He also completely stopped eating any kind of grain and milk. He progressed to not needing any insulin. Initially he experienced headaches, sweating, irritability and discomfort, which he attributed to sugar withdrawals. But these symptoms went away in a short time. At times he stated he would eat a pizza, and his blood sugar would only be 90 an hour later. If his blood sugar did spike (to 190-220), such as after eating a power bar, he would do some metarobic exercises such as Qigong or Yoga, instead of taking insulin. One Qigong exercise, called the watermill exercise, would bring his blood sugar down from the high levels to 80-120 within 20 minutes (normal ranges are considered to be under 100 before eating, and under 140 two hours after eating). He would also use walking as an exercise, with a focus on the breath and stretching through the pancreatic meridian, while visualizing electricity or Qi stimulating his pancreas. By the end of the walk, his blood sugar was in the normal range.
As with all Metarobic exercises, dosage was an important factor for such a severe condition. Keith was waking up at 4:30 in the morning to do two and a half hours of yoga, in addition to his evening and other practices. He stated that discipline was key for making these changes. Keith noted that it was worth it, for it gave him peace of mind, and he feels it cured his type one diabetes. His blood sugar is now consistently in the 70’s when he wakes up in the morning. He even tried a double scoop ice cream cone, and experienced normal blood sugar measurements (one hour after just below 160, 90 minutes after 130, and two hours after within the normal range at 100). He noted that he did this as a test, but does not eat ice cream on a regular basis, since it is not healthy. Keith’s endocrinologist feels that there must have been beta cells still functioning, and that the new diet and Metarobic practices may have arrested the auto-immune response, and allowed beta cell regeneration. Surprisingly, Keith stated that diabetes was the best thing that ever happened to him – it forced him to re-evaluate and change his lifestyle, to become healthier in mind and body than he ever would have been without diabetes. If you would like to read Ram Keith’s full account of his battle with diabetes, and notes from his endocrinologist please see the links below. It will take a lot of research to discover if and exactly how Metarobic exercises may affect various forms of diabetes.
References
From Keith’s Blogs:
http://type1nomore.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-diabetes-history.html
http://type1nomore.blogspot.com/2013/08/info-from-my-endocrinologist.html
Medical References:
1. Lim EL, Hollingsworth KG, Aribisala BS, Chen MJ, Mathers JC, Taylor R. Reversal of type 2 diabetes: normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol. Diabetologia. 2011; 54(10): 2506–2514.
2. Taylor R, Al-Mrabeh A, Zhyzhneuskayaet S, et al. Remission of Human Type 2 Diabetes Requires Decrease in Liver and Pancrease Fat Content but Is Dependent upon Capacity for B Cell Recovery. 2018; Ahead of print. Cell Metab. Available at: https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(18)30446-7.
3. Lean MEJ, Leslie WS, Barnes AC, et al. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): An open-label cluster randomized trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10120):541-551.
4. Doheny, K. Reversing Diabetes By Awakening Beta Cells—Nearly There. Endocrineweb, Research Updates. Available at: https://www.endocrineweb.com/professional/diabetes-complications/awaking-beta-cells-getting-closer-reversing-diabetes
5. Gryffin PA. Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi. YMAA Publications, August 2018.
6. Stanford News. Pancreatic islet cells in animals can ‘flip’ their fate to produce insulin. Available at: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/02/pancreatic-islet-cells-in-animals-can-flip-their-fate-to-produce.html
7. In Vitro Effects of Thymoglobulin in Human Embryonic Kidney Cell Line (HEK293) in Culture. Transplant Proc. 2016. 48(8): 2840-2844. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.07.030 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27788827
8. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). Causes of Diabetes. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/causes/
9. 10 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/overview/
10. Yang Y, Verkuilen J, Rosengren KS, Mariani RA, Reed M, Grubisich SA, Woods JA. Effects of a Taiji and Qigong intervention on the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults. American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2007; 35(4):597-607.
11. Yeh, S., Chuang, H., Lin, L., Hsiao, C. & Eng, H. (2006). Regular tai chi exercise enhances functional mobility and CD4CD25 regulatory T cells. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, 239-243.
12. Nyengaard JR, Ido Y, Kilo C, Williamson JR. Interactions Between Hyperglycemia and Hypoxia: Implications for Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetes. 2004; 53(11): 2931-2938
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