International Yoga Day 2025 — Understanding The Role Of Yoga In Diabetes Management

(By Dr. Vaishali Naik)

Diabetes is a lifelong condition requiring continuous medical attention, lifestyle changes, and emotional support. As a practicing diabetologist, I frequently encounter patients asking whether yoga alone can manage or even “cure” diabetes. While yoga is a valuable lifestyle tool, it must be seen as complementary to medicine, not a replacement.

The Evolving Role Of Lifestyle In Diabetes Care

Modern diabetes care recognizes the role of holistic interventions—diet, exercise, mental wellness—but always anchored by medical science. Patients benefit most when they integrate these tools under a physician's guidance. Patients today look for personalized advice. They want evidence based care, realistic goals, and tools they can use daily—like yoga, if it fits their profile. But the goal remains clear: longterm blood sugar control and prevention of complications.

Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes isn’t a one size fits all disease. Each type needs a different approach.

Causes and Complications

• Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune, usually diagnosed in childhood, and requires lifelong insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle related, often preventable, and treatable with diet, exercise, and medications.

Complications can include kidney failure, neuropathy, heart disease, and vision loss—making strict control vital.

Goals of Treatment in Each Type

• Type 1: Maintain sugar level with insulin therapy , prevent ketoacidosis
• Type 2: Reduce insulin resistance, manage weight, prevent complications

The Medical Approach To Diabetes Control

Role of Diet and Exercise

A low glycemic diet and regular physical activity help improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Yoga can be one part of this lifestyle toolkit.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Daily glucose tracking helps prevent dangerous spikes and lows—especially when integrating new practices like yoga, which may affect sugar levels subtly.

Can Yoga Help Manage Diabetes? A Scientific Overview

Research Based Benefits of Yoga

Numerous studies show yoga helps in:

• Lower fasting blood glucose
• Improve HbA1c (long term glucose control)
• Enhance mood and stress resilience

How Yoga Affects Insulin Sensitivity

Yoga reduces cortisol and inflammation, indirectly improving insulin response. Certain poses stimulate pancreatic function and digestion.

Limitations Of Yoga Alone

Yoga is not a substitute for:

• Prescribed medications
• Insulin (especially in Type 1)
• Blood tests or physician supervision
• Patient Trends and Lifestyle Interventions

The Role Of Integrated Care

We often refer patients to certified yoga therapists, ensuring that practices are safe and beneficial. Yoga becomes an ally—not a competitor—to clinical care. Medical Perspective on Yoga As a diabetologist, I stress this: Yoga supports diabetes control, but it does not replace evidence based medical treatment.

Recommended Yoga Practices For Diabetics

Yoga along with a suitable individualised exercise plan is advisable

Gentle Yoga vs. Power Yoga

• Gentle yoga: Ideal for older adults, beginners, or those with complications
• Power yoga: Best suited for physically fit individuals under guidance

Best Poses for Beginners

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
• Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) and Blood Sugar Control Breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom and Bhramari can reduce stress and improve glucose metabolism.

Cautionary Notes From A Medical Perspective

Who Should Not Rely Solely on Yoga

• Type 1 diabetics
• Pregnant diabetics
• Patients on insulin or sulfonylureas (risk of hypoglycemia)

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Any signs that includes:

• Dizziness
• Weight Loss
• Increase in urination
• Increase in hunger
• Severe fatigue
• High ketones
• Sudden vision changes
• Call your physician—don’t wait for yoga to “correct” it.

Dr Vaishali Naik is Consultant Endocrinology at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra Mumbai

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]