Makassar, Indonesia July 08 2026/PMN-RG/ – Every morning, before the sun rises, a woman sits quietly in her home. She closes her eyes, breathes slowly, and repeats a calming word in her heart.
It looks simple.
But inside her body, something powerful is happening.
For millions of people living with type 2 diabetes, managing blood sugar is a daily battle. Medications, strict diets, and regular check-ups are essential but often not enough. Stress, an invisible yet powerful factor, quietly worsens the condition by increasing blood sugar levels through hormonal changes.
Now, a recent study offers a surprisingly simple solution: Benson relaxation therapy, a technique combining deep breathing, meditation, and personal belief. Conducted among women with type 2 diabetes in Indonesia, the study reveals that this method can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels when practiced regularly.
The research involved 30 women aged 45–70 years who had been living with diabetes for several years. Over a period of 12 weeks, they practiced Benson relaxation three times a week. Their blood sugar levels were measured before and after the intervention.
The results were clear.
According to the statistical findings, there was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels across all measurement periods (p = 0.000). Even more interesting, factors such as age, education, duration of illness, and body weight did not affect the outcome. This means the therapy worked consistently across different backgrounds.
But how does it work?
The answer lies in the body’s stress response. When a person is stressed, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase blood sugar levels by making the body less sensitive to insulin. Benson relaxation works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system the part responsible for calmness and recovery. This reduces stress hormones, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
In simple terms: when the mind becomes calm, the body follows.
This finding strongly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which focuses on promoting healthy lives and improving disease management. Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases globally, and affordable, accessible interventions like this can make a significant difference especially in communities with limited healthcare resources.
What makes Benson relaxation therapy even more powerful is its simplicity. It requires no expensive equipment, no medication, and no special environment. It can be practiced anytime, anywhere. For many patients, it offers not only physical benefits but also emotional comfort and a sense of control over their health.
This study reminds us of an important truth: healing does not always come from complex solutions.
Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as a breath.
A slow inhale.
A quiet moment.
And the decision to take control not just of the body, but also of the mind.
Reference:
DOI. https://10.31893/multiscience.2026204
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
