Yoga May Help Those With Type 2 Diabetes

A report today from MSNBC news cites a new study performed in India which evaluated the effect of Yoga on 123 participants:

     "Gentle yoga classes may help people with type 2 diabetes take off a small amount of weight and steady their blood sugar control, a small study suggests. The study showed that those who added yoga classes to standard diabetes care shed a handful of pounds over three months. Meanwhile, their average blood sugar levels held steady — in contrast to the non-yoga-practicing “control” group, whose blood sugar levels rose."

While the effect of yoga on Body Mass Index (BMI) was minimal, blood sugar levels remained more stable in yoga participants. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, yoga is believed to reduce oxidative-stress which has been linked to a myriad of chronic illnesses and the cause of some  diabetes symptoms.

More long-term studies need to be done to determine if the reduction in oxidative-stress are retained over time, and if yoga can be an effective method for managing diabetes.

Yoga exercises are varied and can be tailored to the individual patient. Ranging from mild to vigorous, Yoga can be a gentle relaxing movement to a vigorous workout. Check with your doctor and local health authorities about Yoga classes in your area and if it might be a good idea for you.

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