Role of yoga in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction : Psychological stress worsens glycemic control and increases oxidative stress in Type 2 DM patients. The practice of yoga, along with physical exercise reduces psychological stress and improves glycemic control in diabetic individuals, thereby preventing its progression to complications. This study evaluated the impact of two combined yogic interventions in the management of Type 2 DM. Methodology : Around 20 Type 2 diabetic subjects were randomly recruited to participate in the study. A pre- and post- test methodology with yogic intervention for 5 weeks was employed in the study. A student's paired t-test on the overall mean scores and mean scores, stratified by gender, age and duration of diabetes, was conducted to evaluate the hypothesis. Results : A significant decrease in plasma glucose, serum cortisol and serum malone-di-aldehyde (MDA) levels and a significant increase in serum super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity were noted. Also, the effect of yogic intervention was found to be more pronounced in subjects with poor glycemic control. Conclusion : This study emphasizes the role of two yogic practices (Nadishodhana Pranayama and the Sun Salutation) as adjuvant therapy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.