Can yoga help with Type 2 diabetes?

When we think of yoga, it is well known that it can help to reduce stress levels, improve flexibility and strength and lower blood pressure levels. There is a growing amount of evidence to show that practicing yoga regularly may help to improve blood glucose control, body composition, blood pressure levels, insulin resistance, and overall type 2 diabetes management.

Yoga originated in India over 4000 years ago and is still a popular exercise today. The focus throughout yoga practice is around balance, calm, breath work and meditation and includes different poses and movements throughout.

Many people who include yoga consistently in their lives, can experience some of the following benefits:

• Improved flexibility and strength

• Better posture

• Improved digestion

• Good quality sleep

• Improved concentration levels

Stress can elevate blood glucose levels, which can worsen the complications of type 2 diabetes, so managing stress can be a very important part of managing type 2 diabetes. But using yoga techniques such as controlled breathing, poses and meditation can activate a relaxation response in the body.

The benefits of yoga have been shown throughout multiple studies, but please consult a GP or diabetes team before beginning any new form of exercise.

References:

Dwivedi U, Kumari S, Akhilesh K and Nagendra H (2015) ‘Well-being at workplace through mindfulness: Influence of yoga practice on positive affect and aggression’, An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda, 36, pp. 375-379.

Innes KE and Selfe TK (2016) ‘Yoga for adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of controlled trials’, Journal of diabetes research, 2016, pp. 6979370.

Luu K and Hall P (2016) ‘Examining the acute effects of hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation on executive function and mood’, Mindfulness, 8(4), pp. 873-880.