Completion report : Effect of Comprehensive Yogic Breathing program on type 2 diabetes: A randomized control trial

Abstract

Background:Yoga has been shown to be beneficial in diabetes in many studies, though randomized control trials are few. The aim of this randomized control trial was to see the effect of Sudarshan Kriya and related practices (comprehensive yogic breathing program) on quality of life, glycemic control, and cardiac autonomic functions in diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy has been implicated in the causation of sudden cardiac death. Therefore, a maneuver to prevent progression of cardiac autonomic neuropathy holds significance.Materials and Methods:A total of 120 patients of diabetes on oral medication and diet and exercise advice were randomized into two groups: (1) Continued to receive standard treatment for diabetes. (2) Patients administered comprehensive yogic breathing program and monitored to regularly practice yoga in addition to standard treatment of diabetes. At 6 months, quality of life and postprandial plasma glucose significantly improved in the group practicing yoga compared to baseline, but there was no significant improvement in the fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin.Results:On per protocol analysis, sympathetic cardiac autonomic functions significantly improved from baseline in the group practicing comprehensive yogic breathing.Conclusion:This randomized control trial points towards the beneficial effect of yogic breathing program in preventing progression of cardiac neuropathy. This has important implications as cardiac autonomic neuropathy has been considered as one of the factors for sudden cardiac deaths.

The effects of yoga among adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In most studies (20/23, 87%) participants with medical complications (e.g., coronary artery disease, renal disease) were excluded. Only two studies used HbA1c levels as inclusion criteria: Beena and Sreekumaran (2013) included participants with HbA1c > 8% and Jyotsna et al (2014) included participants with HbA1c between 6 and 9%. The mean retention rate was 92% (SD = 0.13).…”

“…Few studies (6/23, 26%) identified the style of yoga used in the intervention. Of the six studies reporting the style of yoga intervention, three used hatha yoga (Gordon et al, 2008b; Pardasany et al, 2010; Sri et al, 2014) and three used Sudarshan-kriya yoga (Agte and Tarwadi, 2004; Balaji and Thirumaran, 2015; Jyotsna et al, 2014). The sampled studies reported using several yoga components (not mutually exclusive) including postures (22/23, 96%), breathing exercises (21/23, 91%), relaxation techniques (16/23, 70%), meditation (9/23, 39%), and yogic philosophy (2/23, 9%).…”

Effects of yoga in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis

“…The total sample size ranged from 20 to 277. A total of 11 RCTs were carried out in four countries, including the UK, India, Cuba and Iran. Two RCTs were carried out by Gordon et al .…”

Effect of raja yoga meditation on glycaemic status in type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…The goals of yoga, a Sanskrit term meaning "yoke or union," do not center primarily on physical fitness, but rather on integration of mind, body, and spirit, cultivation of balance, calm, harmony, and awareness, and, in classic yoga traditions, the attainment of selflessness and spiritual enlightenment. 8,9 Of the several major branches of yoga, the most widely practiced forms include Raja (royal or classical) yoga and the closely related Hatha yoga, sometimes known as the yoga of activity. 8,9 A growing body of evidence suggests yoga practice may reduce risk for CVD and lead to improvements in physical health and well-being in a range of populations, potentially including those with DM2.…”

“…8,9 Of the several major branches of yoga, the most widely practiced forms include Raja (royal or classical) yoga and the closely related Hatha yoga, sometimes known as the yoga of activity. 8,9 A growing body of evidence suggests yoga practice may reduce risk for CVD and lead to improvements in physical health and well-being in a range of populations, potentially including those with DM2. 10 The present study endeavours to outline the effects of practice of Raja yoga meditation in obtaining glycaemic control and correcting dyslipidemia in T2DM patients.…”