Research Area
The beneficial effect of Yoga in diabetes
Research Title
The beneficial effect of Yoga in diabetes
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia that is closely related to insulin resistance syndrome of obesity.' Exercise in diabetic patients can improve insulin sensitivity, glycemic control and lipid profile.
However the level of physical training recommended for NIDDM patients to lower plasma glucose levels, decrease obesity and improve insulin sensitivity i.e. 50-70.0% of maximum aerobic capacity lasting 30 minutes, three or five times a week are not feasible in many patients because of age, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other problems." Long term motivation and compliance are also poor in such cases,
Abstract
Twenty NIDDM subjects (mild to moderate diabetics) in the age group of 30 60 years were selected from the out patient clinic of G.T.B. hospital. They were on a 40 days yoga asana regime under the supervision of a voga expert. 13 specific Yoga asanas done by Type 2 Diabetes Patients included.NSurva Namaskar, Trikonasana. Tadas ana, Sukhasana, Padmasana, Bhastrika Pranayama. Pashimottanasana. Ardhmatsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana
and Shavasana are beneficial for diabetes mellitus. Serum insulin, plasma fasting and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after yoga asanas. The results indicate that there was significant decrease in fasting glucose levels from basal 208.3 20.0 to 171.7+19.5 mg/dl and one hour postprandial blood glucose levels decreased from 295.3 + 22.0 to 269.7 + 19.9 mg/dl. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing interact with somatoendocrine mechanism affecting insulin kinetics was worked out.
A significant decrease in waisthip ratio and changes in insulin levels were also observed, suggesting a positive effect of yoga asanas on glucose utilisation and fat redistribution in NIDDM. Yoga asanas may be used as an adjunct with diet and drugs in the management of Type 2 diabetes.
