International Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy

Effect of Yoga on Anthropometric, Biochemical and Cognitive parameters in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Dr Mamta Mohan, Dr Savita Singh, Dr Deepti Khattar, Dr K.P.Singh, Dr Nilima Shankar

Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic affecting 150 million people worldwide. Therefore, the various conventional and alternative treatment options are being studied in detail. In this regard, the practice of yoga has shown to provide a better glycemic control to the affected individuals and a corrective influence on the several derangements seen in these patients. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology of our institute. 30 patients of type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for duration of 1-5 years were enrolled in the study. Their weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and cognitive status using the Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE) was estimated and recorded. These patients were then subjected daily to yoga-asanas for a period of 60 days, following which the above stated parameters were again estimated and recorded. The observations before and after yoga were then compared and statistically analyzed using the paired t test where a p value<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Following the 60 day yoga regimen, the study found a significant reduction in weight (p < 0.001) and BMI (p <0.001). Also, the FBG declined from a mean of 134.37mg/dl to 123.43mg/dl which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.006). In addition, HbA1c also showed a significant reduction (p<0.001), thereby indicating a better glycemic control in the diabetic individuals following yoga. On comparing the cognitive state of these individuals before and after yoga, we observed highly significant improvement (p<0.001) in the MMSE scores of these patients. Conclusion: There was a reduction in weight, BMI, FBG & HbA1c and a marked improvement in the cognitive state following yoga in patients with T2DM. Thus, yoga can definitely help in glycemic control, decrease the rate of development of complications and thus improve the quality of life of diabetics.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijmp.v3n2a6