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 .
Effects of yoga versus walking on mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study.
OBJECTIVES Yoga and exercise have beneficial effects on  mood and anxiety .  γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic activity is reduced in mood and anxiety disorders . The practice of yoga postures is associated with increased brain GABA levels . This study addresses the question of whether changes in mood , anxiety , and GABA levels are specific to yoga or related to physical activity . METHODS Healthy subjects with no significant medical/psychiatric disorders were r and omized to yoga or a metabolically matched walking intervention for 60 minutes 3 times a week for 12 weeks . Mood and anxiety scales were taken at weeks 0 , 4 , 8 , 12 , and before each magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan . Scan 1 was at baseline . Scan 2 , obtained after the 12-week intervention , was followed by a 60-minute yoga or walking intervention , which was immediately followed by Scan 3 . RESULTS The  yoga subjects ( n = 19 ) reported greater improvement in mood and greater decreases in anxiety than the walking group ( n = 15 ) . There were positive correlations between improved mood and decreased anxiety and thalamic GABA levels . The yoga group had positive correlations between changes in mood scales and changes in GABA levels . CONCLUSIONS The 12-week yoga intervention was associated with greater improvements in mood and anxiety than a metabolically matched walking exercise . This is the first study to demonstrate that increased thalamic GABA levels are associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety . It is also the first time that a behavioral intervention ( i.e. , yoga postures ) has been associated with a positive correlation between acute increases in thalamic GABA levels and improvements in mood and anxiety scales . Given that pharmacologic agents that increase the activity of the GABA system are prescribed to improve mood and decrease anxiety , the reported correlations are in the expected direction . The possible role of GABA in mediating the beneficial effects of yoga  on mood and anxiety warrants further study
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 .