Learning the Buteyko method by modules
Module 8. Restrictions, limits, and temporary contraindications
Insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2 diabetes)
Intensive breathing sessions and quick CP growth increase the organism’s sensitivity to circulating insulin and increase production of its own insulin due to better perfusion and oxygenation of the pancreas. This can happen due to a single breathing session or due to a fast CP growth within hours or days of first lessons. Hence, taking the same insulin dose can easily lead to hypoglycemic shock, which is potentially fatal.
In order to prevent these complications, the student should:
1) eat a small snack immediately after (or just before) a breathing session; for the pre-session go for soft foods, like soy milk and/or honey, or very well chewed bread, piece of cheese, nut butter, etc.;
2) adjust daily insulin requirements to their current state by having good blood glucose control (periodic measurements), consulting their GP or family physician or endocrinologist about decreased blood glucose values, and asking them about reduced insulin intake.
Most diabetics, when they have the cooperation of their doctors, can safely decrease their insulin intake about 2 times after they start their program of breathing retraining described here.