Effect of a Single Yoga Asana on Blood Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Self-Controlled Study

Abstract

Context: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Yoga has been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. However, there is limited research on the effects of specific yoga poses on blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single yoga asana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, on random blood glucose (RBG) levels in patients with T2DM. Specifically, we aimed to investigate whether a 15-minute practice of Ardha Matsyendrasana could reduce RBG levels in patients with T2DM.

Design: This study employed a self-controlled design to evaluate the effect of Ardha Matsyendrasana on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Participants: 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited for this study.

Interventions: All participants underwent two sessions: a control session (CS) and an asana session (AS), each lasting 15 minutes. During the CS, participants rested in a sitting pose, while during the AS, they practiced Ardha Matsyendrasana. The order of the sessions was randomized, with half the participants undergoing the CS on day 1, the AS on day 2, and the other half undergoing the sessions in reverse order.

Outcome measures: We measured participants' random blood glucose (RBG) levels immediately before and after each intervention.

Statistical analysis: The statistical package for the social sciences, version 16, was used to perform a paired t-test to compare RBG levels before and after each intervention.

Results: The study demonstrated a significant reduction in random blood glucose (RBG) levels in the Ardha Matsyendrasana session compared to the control session. This trend was observed in both males and females with T2DM.

Conclusions: A single session of Ardha Matsyendrasana for 15 minutes can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM. However, further studies are required to determine the long-term effects of this asana on glycemic control.