Research Area
The effects of yoga among adults
Research Title
The effects of yoga among adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction
About one out of every eleven adults in the United States currently has diabetes (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) accounts for 90–95% of all diabetes cases in adults. Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). In 2012, the total estimated economic cost of diagnosed diabetes was $245 billion, a 41% increase from 2007 (American Diabetes Association, 2013a).
Abstract
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effects of yoga for among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Comprehensive electronic databases searches located 2559 unique studies with relevant key terms. Studies were included if they evaluated a yoga intervention to promote management, used a comparison group, reported an objective measure of control at post-intervention, and had follow-up length or post-test of at least 8 weeks from baseline.
Conclusion
The current meta-analysis revealed that yoga improves glycemic outcomes, lipid profile, blood pressure, and waist/hip ratio in adults with T2DM. However, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the long-term effects of yoga in this population. There is also a need to study the mechanism by which yoga can affect glycemic control. Future studies should include assessments of behavioral (e.g., diet, physical activity) and psychological (e.g., stress, depression).
