Role of Yoga in Preventing and Controlling Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Yoga has been suggested as a complementary and alternative treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to review studies using yoga in preventing or controlling diabetes. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) conducted between 1993 and September 2011; (2) published in the English language; (3) used yoga asanas, pranayama, or dhyana as intervention; (4) involved diabetic patients and healthy volunteers, with insulin or glucose levels as outcomes, or individuals at risk for diabetes; (5) used any quantitative design; and (6) had biochemical, physiological, anthropometric, or clinical outcomes. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 15 used yoga asanas, 12 used pranayama, and 1 each used shatkriyas (cleansing exercises) and yoga nidra (relaxation). Of the 11 studies that measured changes in fasting blood glucose, 9 showed significant decrease. Limitations include lack of theory-based approach, small sample sizes, and inability to gauge adherence.