Nephroprotective Impact of Adjuvant Yoga Therapy on Diabetes- A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies have provided abundant evidence about benefits of yoga in various chronic disorders. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and renal complications of the disease are especially notable. It is estimated that 10% to 40% cases of Type 2 DM (T2DM) eventually end up having kidney failure. Yoga therapy may help to prevent progression of kidney damage in diabetic patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of adjuvant yoga therapy on renal profile in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This single blind Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was designed as an interdisciplinary collaborative work between Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) and Department of Endocrinology of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry, India. A total of 72 diabetic patients with HbA1c, more than 7% were recruited and pre study evaluation of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS), HbA1c, blood urea and serum creatinine were done. They were then randomised into control group (n=36) who received only standard medical management and yoga group (n=36) who received yoga therapy thrice weekly for 4 months along with standard medical management. Poststudy evaluation of all parameters was done at end of study period and data were analysed by Student’s paired and unpaired t-test for intra and intergroup comparisons. Results: Postinterventional comparisons revealed statistically significant reductions (p<0.001) in all glycaemic and renal parameters in the group receiving yoga therapy when compared with control group who didn’t receive the yoga intervention. Intragroup comparisons revealed significant reduction of all parameters in yoga group. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present RCT that yoga has a definite role as an adjuvant therapy as it enhances standard medical care and hence, can be recommended in routine clinical management of diabetes to prevent progression into complications that are part of the natural history of the disease.