Research Area
Therapeutic Role of Yoga in Type 2 Diabetes
Research Title
Therapeutic Role of Yoga in Type 2 Diabetes
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes is a common lifestyle disorder caused by insulin resistance with relative or absolute insulin deficiency, resulting in chronic hyperglycaemia and various cardiovascular complications. Globally, according to the International Diabetes Federation diabetes atlas (eighth edition, 2017), in 2017 there were roughly 425 million people with diabetes, a figure that is projected to increase to 629 million by 2045. Sedentary habits and unhealthy dietary patterns are the major risk factors for the development of various lifestyle disorders, including diabetes. Psychological stress also increases the risk and severity of diabetes. Lack of physical activity was found to increase the risk of diabetes by 3 times and the risk of coronary artery disease by 2.4 times.
Abstract
Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind, and emotions. Yoga practice is useful in the management of various lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Psycho-neuro-endocrine and immune mechanisms are involved in the beneficial effects of yoga on diabetes. Incorporation of yoga practice in daily life helps to attain glycaemic control and reduces the risk of complications in people with diabetes. In this review, we briefly describe the role of various yoga practices in the management of diabetes based on evidence from various clinical studies.
Conclusion
Yoga therapy is relevant for wellness, as well as for illness. The latest scientific evidence suggests the potential role of yoga-based lifestyle modifications in the management of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors. It is suggested that psychoneuro-endocrine and immune mechanisms have holistic effects in diabetes control. Parasympathetic activation and the associated anti-stress mechanisms improve patients' overall metabolic and psychological profiles, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism. Yoga practices such as cleansing processes, asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandha, meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation are known to reduce blood glucose levels and to help in the management of comorbid disease conditions associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in significant positive clinical outcomes.
