Yoga and Diabetes

Nepal Med Coll J. 2005; 7(2):145-7 Malhotra V;Singh S;Tandon OP;Sharma SB
Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences and
Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi.

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 yoga expert. 13 specific Yoga asanas < or = done by
Type 2 Diabetes Patients included. Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana,
Tadasana, 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 waist-hip 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.

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