Abstract
We sought to prospectively evaluate the impact of a 10 minute seated yoga program added to standard comprehensive diabetes care on glucose control and cardiovascular health in the severely ill, medically complex diabetic population. A total of 10 patients with type 2 diabetes, ages 49-77, with duration of diabetes >10 years and haemoglobin A1C >9% (75 mmol/mol) were included in the study. Patients randomized to a yoga intervention were taught a 10 minute seated yoga practice, were given an explanatory DVD and a fold-out pocket guide to encourage adherence at home, and were instructed to incorporate the practice as often as they could. The patients in the control arm were provided information and hand outs on the available yoga classes on campus. At 3 month clinical follow up, the mean decrease in fasting capillary blood glucose (CBG) was 45% among yoga participants (-5.2 ± 4.1 mmol/L). Heart rate (HR) dropped by 18% and Diastolic blood pressure (BP) dropped by 29% in the intervention arm, (-12.4 ± 6.69 and -26 ± 12.05 mmHg, respectively). There were no statistically significant changes in the haemoglobin A1C, systolic blood pressure, weight, or body mass index in either group. Our small pilot study reinforces the current medical evidence supporting the use of yoga, combined with standard care, to improve health outcomes in diabetes.
Highlights
The practice of yoga is well established as a mind-body exercise that improves overall health and promotes stress reduction
Our small pilot study reinforces the current medical evidence supporting the use of yoga, combined with standard care, to improve health outcomes in diabetes
We prospectively evaluated the impact of this intervention, added to our program of comprehensive diabetes care for patients with complicated or difficult to manage diabetes, on glucose control and cardiovascular health
Summary
The practice of yoga is well established as a mind-body exercise that improves overall health and promotes stress reduction. The majority of the trials evaluating the benefits of yoga involve vigorous posture-based practices (asana) and/or yogic breath exercises (pranayama) not feasible for most of those who are severely ill or with complex disease processes. Many traditional exercise regimens, even low impact walking or swimming, remain out of reach for the patients who are wheelchair bound or otherwise physically unable [3]. Few exercise and stress reduction regimen are designed for the elderly, severely ill, diabetic population, and even fewer have been evaluated prospectively in the medical literature [4]
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