The effects of yoga among adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effects of yoga for glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Comprehensive electronic databases searches located 2559 unique studies with relevant key terms. Studies were included if they (1) evaluated a yoga intervention to promote T2DM management, (2) used a comparison group, (3) reported an objective measure of glycemic control at post-intervention, and (4) had follow-up length or post-test of at least 8 weeks from baseline. Independent raters coded participant, design and methodological characteristics and intervention content. Summary effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Twenty-three studies with 2473 participants (mean age = 53 years; 43% women) met eligibility criteria. Compared with controls, yoga participants were successful in improving their HbA1c (d + = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.56; k = 16), FBG (d+ = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.76; k = 20), and PPBG (d + = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.56; k = 14). Yoga was also associated with significant improvements in lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index, waist/hip ratio and cortisol levels. Overall, studies satisfied an average of 41% of the methodological quality (MQ) criteria; MQ score was not associated with any outcome (Ps > 0.05). Yoga improved glycemic outcomes and other risk factors for complications in adults with T2DM relative to a control condition. Additional studies with longer follow-ups are needed to determine the long-term efficacy of yoga for adults with T2DM.

Yoga-based lifestyle treatment and composite treatment goals in Type 2 Diabetes in a rural South Indian setup- a retrospective study

“…Further significant and beneficial yoga treatment-induced mean percentage reductions in SBP (4.33%); DBP (5.66%); and TC (1.65%) could also be observed in the present study. These findings support earlier reported beneficial cardiovascular effects of yoga 25,26 .…”

“…Lifestyle management plays an essential role in the efficient control of diabetes status 6,24 . Yoga, as a lifestyle intervention has been reported to lead to beneficial health outcomes related to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders including T2D 25,26 . Based on its high reported receptivity and cost-effectiveness, yoga holds a strong potential as a lifestyle management skill in Indian scenario 3 .…”

Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Ischemic Heart Disease: Prevention and Therapy by Exercise and Conditioning

“…Recent investigations in people with DM and cardiovascular disease have reported beneficial effects following unconventional forms of exercise, such as aquatic-based exercise, Nordic walking, specific gym-fitness activities, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and dance-based activities. Less common approaches have been shown to induce positive cardiovascular effects, also improving general well-being, social inclusion, and quality of life of the participants [141][142][143][144][145][146][147].…”

“…It is noteworthy that most studies on alternative mind-body exercise therapies have focused on Yoga and Tai Chi, highlighting their positive effects on DM management. Indeed, recent summaries of the literature concluded that both Yoga and Tai Chi interventions are highly feasible and suitable for people with DM, also allowing improvements in glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and biopsychosocial outcomes [146,147].…”

Trends in the use of Yoga and Naturopathy based lifestyle clinics for the management of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tamilnadu, South India

“…More specifically, Yoga is found to be effective in the management of many non-communicable psychosomatic disorders. [14][15][16] Likewise, Naturopathy consists of therapies using natural elements; Hydrotherapy using water, 17 heliotherapy using sun, 18 mud therapy, 19 chromotherapy using colours, 20 magnetotherapy, 21 manipulative therapy, 22 fasting therapy, 23 diet therapy 24 (includes plant-based natural supplements), acupuncture, acupressure with reflexology, 25 etc. Naturopathy by definition is more than a system of curing aches and pains and is more a 'way of life'.…”