According to a recently published study from five centers in India, a 40-minute daily yoga practice can reduce the risk of diabetes by about 40 percent, showing better results than lifestyle intervention or drugs alone.
The study looked at whether yoga could prevent the development of type 2 diabetes among people already diagnosed with prediabetes, people whose blood glucose levels are higher than normal but high enough to develop diabetes. It is not considered to prevent. An estimated 101 million people in the country are living with diabetes, and another 136 million have prediabetes, most of whom are likely to progress to diabetes without lifestyle changes.
Dr. SV Madhu, first author of the study and professor of endocrinology at GTB Hospital, Delhi, said: “We were able to show that yoga was significantly more effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes compared to lifestyle changes alone. . In fact, these gains are even greater than lifestyle interventions and medications shown in other studies. While determining the mechanism of action was not the aim of the study, it is hypothesized that yoga has additional benefits as it can reduce chronic psychological stress. It is also thought to be an immunomodulator that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.
What is the advice for healthy adults?
Dr. Madhu says those at higher risk for diabetes — such as those with a family history or those who are obese — are more likely to benefit from yoga. He adds: “It is recommended that they practice 40 minutes of yoga every day to prevent diabetes.”
Does yoga help people with diabetes?
While the current study doesn’t show the effect of yoga on those who already have diabetes, Dr. Madhu says it’s likely to help them, too. “Other short-term studies of yoga’s effect on diabetes have already shown lower blood glucose levels, so it’s possible that yoga can help people with diabetes control their sugar levels,” she says.
Why is reading important?
Dr. Madhu explains that this study provides key evidence in favor of yoga. “Our study is a well-designed randomized controlled trial with nearly 500 participants in both groups—yoga plus lifestyle intervention and lifestyle intervention alone. Study participants were also followed up for a three-year period. He also explains that evidence from previous studies shows that with lifestyle interventions and even medication to control blood sugar levels, there is a much smaller risk reduction — between 28 and 32 percent.