Collectively , findings suggest that yogic practice s may promote significant improvements in several indices of importance in DM2 management , including glycemic control , lipid levels , and body composition .
More limited data suggest that yoga may also lower oxidative stress and blood pressure ; enhance pulmonary and autonomic function , mood , sleep , and quality of life ; and reduce medication use in adults with DM2 .
A growing body of evidence suggests yogic practice s may benefit adults with type 2 diabetes ( DM2 ) .
In this systematic review , we evaluate available evidence from prospect i ve controlled trials regarding the effects of yoga-based programs on specific health outcomes pertinent to DM2 management .
Globalization of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a global public health crisis that threatens the economies of all nations , particularly developing countries . Fueled by rapid urbanization , nutrition transition , and increasingly sedentary lifestyles , the epidemic has grown in parallel with the worldwide rise in obesity . Asia 's large population and rapid economic development have made it an epicenter of the epidemic . Asian population s tend to develop diabetes at younger ages and lower BMI levels than Caucasians . Several factors contribute to accelerated diabetes epidemic in Asians , including the “ normal-weight metabolically obese ” phenotype ; high prevalence of smoking and heavy alcohol use ; high intake of refined carbohydrates ( e.g. , white rice ) ; and dramatically decreased physical activity levels . Poor nutrition in utero and in early life combined with overnutrition in later life may also play a role in Asia 's diabetes epidemic . Recent advances in genome-wide association studies have contributed substantially to our underst and ing of diabetes pathophysiology , but currently identified genetic loci are insufficient to explain ethnic differences in diabetes risk . Nonetheless , interactions between Westernized diet and lifestyle and genetic background may accelerate the growth of diabetes in the context of rapid nutrition transition . Epidemiologic studies and r and omized clinical trials show that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through diet and lifestyle modifications . Translating these findings into practice , however , requires fundamental changes in public policies , the food and built environments , and health systems . To curb the escalating diabetes epidemic , primary prevention through promotion of a healthy diet and lifestyle should be a global public policy priority
Collectively , findings suggest that yogic practice s may promote significant improvements in several indices of importance in DM2 management , including glycemic control , lipid levels , and body composition .
More limited data suggest that yoga may also lower oxidative stress and blood pressure ; enhance pulmonary and autonomic function , mood , sleep , and quality of life ; and reduce medication use in adults with DM2 .
A growing body of evidence suggests yogic practice s may benefit adults with type 2 diabetes ( DM2 ) .
In this systematic review , we evaluate available evidence from prospect i ve controlled trials regarding the effects of yoga-based programs on specific health outcomes pertinent to DM2 management .