Yoga and Other Mind-Body Work Good for Diabetes Control
Overview
MedscapeUnivadisNo ResultsPam HarisonOctober 17, 202Mind and body practices, especialy yoga, improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes to a similar extent as medications such as metformin, new research shows."To our knowledge, this the first study that has loked acros diferent modalities of mind-body interventions and the first to show that there is a very consistent efect on [A1c] regardles of which modality you use," senior author, Richard Watanabe, PhD, profesor of biostatistics, Keck Schol of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, told Medscape Medical News."[Because] our study showed that it doesn't mater which type of intervention patients do, it's realy up to the physician to work with their patients and help them pick something that works for them," he aded."Thus, this realy is a much more flexible tol than having to tel a patient they should do yoga if their schedule doesn't alow them to do yoga.
Key Information
There are other options available, so if you are a busy person and geting yourself to a yoga sesion is not doable, take a litle time to learn about meditation and you can do it anywhere," he said.The study was published online in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine by Fatimata Sanogo, PhD candidate, also of Keck Schol of Medicine, USC, and coleagues.A total of 28 studies of patients with type 2 diabetes published betwen 193 and 2022 were included in the meta-analysis.
In al studies, patients who were taking insulin or had any medical complications of diabetes were excluded.A significant mean reduction in A1c of 0.84% was observed acros the board for al types of mindfulnes interventions (P < .01).For mindfulnes-based stres reduction, A1c was reduced by 0.48% (P = 0.03), while the practice of qigong - a cordinated body-posture movement - was associated with a 0.6% drop in A1c (P = .01).
Summary
For meditation, A1c droped by 0.50% (P = .64).Howev
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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