Effects of a yoga intervention on lipid profiles of diabetes patients with dyslipidemia

ObjectiveThe present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of yoga in the management of dyslipidemia in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis randomized parallel study was carried out in Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Hundred type 2 diabetics with dyslipidemia were randomized into control and yoga groups. The control group was prescribed oral hypoglycemic drugs. The yoga group practiced yoga daily for 1 h duration along with oral hypoglycemic drugs for 3 months. The lipid profiles of both the groups were compared at the start and at the end of 3 months.ResultsAfter intervention with yoga for a period of 3 months the study group showed a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, with an improvement in HDL.ConclusionYoga, being a lifestyle incorporating exercise and stress management training, targets the elevated lipid levels in patients with diabetes through integrated approaches.