Effectiveness of yoga practice on the glycemic status and body mass index in pre-diabetic individuals

Abstract

Background: Yoga is a healthy lifestyle intervention practice that has claimed beneficial effect in the management of several metabolic syndromes including diabetes mellitus. It has favorable effect on maintaining blood pressure and insulin resistance in pre-diabetic individual. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of yoga practice on the blood glucose levels and body mass index (BMI) in pre-diabetic individuals. Materials and Methods: Cases attending outpatient department of between age group 21–55 years under pre-diabetic category (n = 128) based on laboratory investigations and BMI were recruited. Participants were divided in to two groups, that is, group 1 (Pre-diabetics with yoga practice) and Group 2 (Pre-diabetics without yoga practice). Participants of Group 1 were advised to attend the yoga sessions for 180 days and blood glucose levels and BMI was assessed. Results: In Group 1, the mean blood glucose level was gradually decreased from the beginning (121.57 mg/dl in Group 1 and 121.98 mg/dl in Group 2) to end of 180 days (89.32 mg/dl in Group 1% 105.65 mg/dl in Group 2). The mean BMI was significantly decreased from the beginning (27.63 in Group 1 and 27.24 in Group 2) to the end of 180 days (21.33 in Group 1 and 24.26 in Group 2) in both study groups. The mean difference of glucose levels and BMI among both study groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Yoga practice was significantly reduced the BMI and blood glucose in pre-diabetic participants. However, the rate of decline in the levels of blood glucose and BMI was high in pre-diabetics under yoga practice. Continuous yoga adherence and healthy lifestyle practices can improve.