Role of Yoga on Lipid Profile in Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a public health problem and is often accompanied by dyslipidemia, which represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle modification is a part of diabetes management, and yoga has been found to be beneficial in influencing metabolic and psychological health. The present study aimed to assess the effect of yoga on lipid profile and quality of life in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective interventional study of 100 patients with T2DM who visited a tertiary care teaching hospital. The participants were split into two groups of 50 people. Group A underwent structured yoga therapy along with the standard medical treatment and Group B underwent standard treatment only. Yoga program was followed for 6 months. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile parameters, and quality-of-life scores were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0 and a p-value of <0.05 was used to determine significance. Results: The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. At 6 months, Group A showed significantly greater improvements in glycemic parameters, including FBS (120.52 ± 9.12 vs. 125.72 ± 7.06 mg/dL; p=0.002), PPBS (181.30 ± 11.28 vs. 186.74 ± 5.49 mg/dL; p=0.003), and HbA1c (6.68 ± 0.41% vs. 7.00 ± 0.70%; p=0.007). Significant improvements in lipid profile were also observed in the yoga group, with lower total cholesterol (184.12 ± 15.30 vs. 196.76 ± 7.66 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (123.92 ± 14.00 vs. 130.80 ± 5.46 mg/dL), triglycerides (142.46 ± 13.41 vs. 154.34 ± 5.54 mg/dL), and higher HDL cholesterol (47.70 ± 7.40 vs. 41.96 ± 5.81 mg/dL) compared with controls (all p<0.01). Quality-of-life scores improved significantly in the yoga group (64.02 ± 4.80 vs. 60.42 ± 6.51; p=0.002). Conclusion: Yoga as an adjunct to standard treatment has a significant positive effect on glycemic control, lipid profile and quality of life in patients with T2DM. It is low-cost, safe, and readily available and thus can be a valuable adjunct in overall diabetes care.