Role of yoga in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become most common problem worldwide. Yoga provides best means of self-improvement and gaining full potential of one’s body, mind & soul. It has been proved that pranayama and certain Asana’s help in lowering blood glucose, balancing blood pressure and calms nervous system. The asanas improve the sensitivity of β-cells to glucose, improves insulin secretion, and improves glucose uptake. Hence, Yogic asanas are important for preventing and curing many ailments. The effect of yogic practices in diabetics has to be investigated well. To assess the effect of yoga on blood glucose levels and anthropometric parameters before and after doing yoga in T2DMpatients. A total of 100 T2DM diabetic patients in age group 30-60 years were taken. Effect of Yoga on fasting Blood glucose (FBG), Post prandial blood glucose (PPBG), HbA1c levels and serum insulin were assessed. Anthropometric parameters like BMI and waist hip ratio were also assessed. There was significant decrease in FBG, PPBG and HbA1c levels with p value<0.001 after doing yoga. There was also significant improvement in serum insulin levels and decrease in BMI & waist hip ratio. A significant improvement in the blood glucose levels occurred in subjects who practiced Yoga. There was also lowering of the drug requirement.