Effect of Yoga on Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to observe the efficacy of yoga on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and methods: The present systematic review and meta-analysis were done following the PRISMA guidelines. Data were collected through specific keyword searches from eminent databases. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed, using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Forest plots were used to illustrate the study findings and meta-analysis results. Results: A total of six studies were finally included in this systematic review, where 375 participants were allocated to a yoga intervention with the control group, and the age range of participants was 15-75 years. In the yoga group compared to the control, there was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) by 33.02 mg/dL, post-prandial blood glucose (PPBG) by 62.54 mg/dL, fasting insulin by 4.95 µIU/mL and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) by 2.81 in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: Regular yogic practice with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) have positive effects on insulin resistance compared to the control group (no regular exercise with OHA) in patients with type 2 diabetes.