Transcendental Meditation, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, has been found to give benefits for people with diabetes mellitus, and in addition demonstrates a number of other improvements in health which are relevant to people with this condition.

Metabolic Control
Transcendental Meditation produces physiological changes which are directly opposite to the stress response, including reduced plasma cortisol (1). This may be of value in improving glycaemic control. In one study, Transcendental Meditation was found to produce good or very good benefits for 7 out of 12 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, most cases showing improvements in blood sugar control after beginning Transcendental Meditation (2). Transcendental Meditation has been found to enhance the level of weight loss in non-diabetic obese subjects undergoing a weight reduction programme (3), which may also be applicable to overweight diabetic subjects. In the non-diabetic population, negative psychological traits known to be associated with poorer diabetic control, including neuroticism and depression (4,5), become less. Proper adherence to a regime of diet and oral hypoglycaemic agents was enhanced by the practice of Transcendental Meditation (2).

Reduction of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Controlled studies have shown that Transcendental Meditation is effective in reducing mild hypertension in non-diabetic subjects (6). A controlled study found that Transcendental Meditation reduced blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemic subjects over an 11-month period (7). Transcendental Meditation has also been found to be highly effective in reducing tobacco and alcohol use as judged by meta-analysis of 19 studies (8). The effects were stable over 18 months of practice. Heavy users were among those who benefited.

Coping with Diabetes
Transcendental Meditation promotes a more mature, confident, and resourceful personality which may help diabetics to cope better and maintain a more positive perception of their social environment. In a study of kidney transplant/dialysis patients, Transcendental Meditation was found to result in reduced anxiety levels, a more positive self-image, increased independence, and an improved sense of well-being in addition to lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular function. Patients who regularly practised the Transcendental Meditation technique appeared to handle stress more easily and became more positive, productive and creative in their outlook (9).

Improved General Health
In a group of 2000 people practising Transcendental Meditation, health insurance statistics showed that hospital admission rates were 60-70% lower for surgical and medical cases compared to non-meditating groups (10). Since illness generally impairs diabetic control, these findings are of importance for diabetics.

Summary
Transcendental Meditation offers a number of benefits for people with diabetes mellitus. In the non-diabetic population, it positively influences factors which affect control of blood sugar levels, such as stress, overweight, and adverse psychological factors associated with poor adherence to management programmes. It is also effective in reducing a number of main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, stress, hypercholesterolaemia, and smoking. General mental and physical health are also improved by the technique, as well as the ability to cope with a chronic disease.