Abstract
Introduction: Many Indians are at high-risk of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Yoga is an ancient Indian mind-body discipline, that has been associated with improved glucose levels and can help to prevent T2DM. The study aimed to systematically develop a Yoga program for T2DM prevention (YOGA-DP) among high-risk people in India using a complex intervention development approach.Materials and Methods: As part of the intervention, we developed a booklet and a high-definition video for participants and a manual for YOGA-DP instructors. A systematic iterative process was followed to develop the intervention and included five steps: (i) a systematic review of the literature to generate a list of Yogic practices that improves blood glucose levels among adults at high-risk of or with T2DM, (ii) validation of identified Yogic practices by Yoga experts, (iii) development of the intervention, (iv) consultation with Yoga, exercise, physical activity, diet, behavior change, and/or diabetes experts about the intervention, and (v) pretest the intervention among Yoga practitioners and lay people (those at risk of T2DM and had not practiced Yoga before) in India.Results: YOGA-DP is a structured lifestyle education and exercise program, provided over a period of 24 weeks. The exercise part is based on Yoga and includes Shithilikarana Vyayama (loosening exercises), Surya Namaskar (sun salutation exercises), Asana (Yogic poses), Pranayama (breathing practices), and Dhyana (meditation) and relaxation practices. Once participants complete the program, they are strongly encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the long-term.Conclusions: We systematically developed a novel Yoga program for T2DM prevention (YOGA-DP) among high-risk people in India. A multi-center feasibility randomized controlled trial is in progress in India.
Highlights
Many Indians are at high-risk of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
(1) A total of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our systematic review
The full-texts of 67 potential RCTs were assessed for eligibility and 58 were excluded at this stage
Summary
Many Indians are at high-risk of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). More than 77 million Indians are at high-risk of T2DM—their blood glucose levels are higher than normal but lower than the established threshold for T2DM itself [2]. These people are more likely to develop T2DM and its complications than those with normal blood glucose levels [3]. Screening of people who are at high-risk of T2DM, followed by an effective lifestyle intervention is a costeffective approach that can normalize blood glucose levels and has other health benefits [3, 7, 8]
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