Effect of Yoga on Oxidative Stress in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Subjects

Abstract

Introduction: Aging along with increased oxidative stress has been suggested as contributory factors for initiation and progression of complications in diabetes mellitus. Present study aims to evaluate the effect of 3 month yoga on oxidative stress, BMI, blood pressure and glycaemic status in elderly type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: Yoga was delivered to elderly diabetic (age>60, n=42) and younger diabetes subjects (age<60, n=45) for 3 months. Both groups continued their normal medication and diet. Results: Malondialdehyde showed a positive correlation with age in participants. Antioxidants showed a negative correlation with age and malondialdehyde. Yoga resulted in significant reduction in malondialdehyde, BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose and improvement in glutathione levels in both groups. Vitamin C and glycosylated haemoglobin showed improvement in younger subjects. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is higher in elderly type 2 diabetes patients when compared to younger patients. Yoga may be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress, BMI and blood pressure in diabetes subjects irrespective of age. Yoga can be an aid for management of diabetes in improving the antioxidant potential which deteriorates with age. Glycemic status improved in younger diabetes subjects.