Yogic practice and diabetes mellitus in geriatric patients

BACKGROUND: Stress has negative effect on health and type 2 diabetes patients may be at an increased risk. Abnormally high levels of free radicals and the simultaneous decline of antioxidant defense mechanisms can increase lipid peroxidation and insulin resistance. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the efficacy of yogic practice in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and also to compare the efficacy with the state of glycaemic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy three (73) healthy elderly patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the age group of 60 to 70 years with a history of diabetes for 5 to 10 years and with poor glycaemic control (HbA(1c) >8 %) residing in Kozhikode district were recruited for the study. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their glycaemic control. Group I with HbA(1c) 8.6–9.7 %, group II with HbA(1c) 9.8–10.7 % and group III with HbA(1c) 10.8–12.7 %. Participants did yogic practice under the supervision of experienced trainer, daily 90 minutes and for three months. Biochemical estimation of HbA(1c), glucose, lipid profile, cortisol, ferritin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity were carried out on 0 day and 90(th) day. Seventy patients participated in a comparable control session. RESULTS: The participants in the test group showed statistically significant (P < 0.001) decrease in glucose, HbA(1c), lipids, cortisol, ferritin, MDA and significant increase in catalase activity after yogic practice. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga may improve risk profiles induced by stress in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes and may have promise for the prevention or delay in diabetes complications. And at all stages of the disease a significant improvement can be achieved by yogic practice in geriatric diabetes.