Yoga Medical News Daily

Yoga Practice in Diabetes Improves Outcomes

Published in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, (Nov 9, 2009) this study by Kosuri, M, and Sridhar, GR, Yoga and Diabetes Group, Institute of Yoga and Consciousness, Visakhapatnam, India, examined "the effect of yoga practice on clinical and psychological outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In a 40-day yoga camp at the Institute of Yoga and Consciousness, ambulatory subjects with T2DM not having significant complications (n = 35) participated in a 40-day yoga camp, where yogic practices were overseen by trained yoga teachers. . . . Conclusions: Participation of subjects with T2DM in yoga practice for 40 days resulted in reduced BMI, improved well-being, and reduced anxiety."  Abstract: PubMed. 

Can Yoga Cure Diabetes?

Published in the Health Administrator (22, no. 1 & 2, 2009; 40-41), this commentary by Raja Chandrasekhar emphasizes that yoga has been shown to significantly reduce insulin levels in Type I diabetics and control diabetes without external medication in Type II diabetics. Full text of article.

Yoga and diabetes self-management: The mind-body connection

This doctoral dissertation by Mary Rebecca Taylor, University of Washington (2009), explored "the relation of diabetes self-management and yoga practice from the perspective of adults living with type 2 diabetes. The study aims were to: (a) describe the experience and perceived therapeutic effect of practicing yoga on diabetes self- management, (b) identify perceived facilitators and barriers to regular yoga practice in the context of diabetes self-management, and (c) explore yoga instructors' understanding of diabetes and beliefs about the therapeutic benefits of practicing yoga. . . .  Results. Twenty-six adult yoga students with type 2 diabetes and ten yoga instructors were recruited and enrolled. Students perceived improvement in the following outcomes: physical fitness, physical and mental relaxation, stress tolerance, self-awareness, coping skills, social support, and sense of well-being. Factors that effected yoga practice were cost, convenience, time, responsibilities, health status, and instructor's attitude. Instructors integrated concepts from biomedicine and yoga philosophy to understand diabetes. Instructors believed that yoga promoted physical and mental balance, an attitude of nonjudgmental self-awareness, increased self-efficacy and better health-related choices." Abstract and full-text PDF for download: PQDT Open.