The effect of yoga practice on glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Maricarmen Vizcaino, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of yoga practice on glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by evaluating changes in physiological and psychological stress measures. Participants (n=10) were non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients free of complications derived from diabetes. The 6-week intervention consisted of structured yoga classes with a registered yoga teacher three times a week. Assessments were completed at baseline and post-intervention. Glycemic control parameters under investigation included fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), and insulin sensitivity (QUICKI). Psychological stress was assessed with the perceived stress scale (PSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); while physiological stress was assessed by cortisol content at midnight. Additional measures included diabetes regimen adherence, quality of life, active range of motion, and balance. No significant changes were observed in any of the glycemic control parameters following the yoga intervention. Nonetheless, significant decreases in all stress measures were found following yoga practice. Similarly, significant improvements in regimen adherence, flexibility, and balance were found. The findings indicate that a longer and more frequent yoga practice may be necessary to induce significant improvements in glycemic control, and that this improvement may be mediated by decreases in anxiety and cortisol of diabetes patients.

Subject Area

Alternative Medicine

Recommended Citation

Vizcaino, Maricarmen, "The effect of yoga practice on glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients" (2011). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1516777.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1516777

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