Objective: This study was conducted to examine the impact of Hatha yoga on glycemic control, psychological and physiological stress, and self-care for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: Ten sedentary individuals with T2DM who were non-insulin dependent, free of diabetes-related complications, and had no previous yoga experience completed therapeutic yoga classes for 6 weeks, 3 times per week . Glycemic control measures included fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting insulin. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and salivary cortisol were used to assess levels of stress, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire was used to assess regimen adherence.
Results: No significant changes in glucose control or physiological stress were found; however, significant changes in perceived stress, state anxiety, and self-care behaviors were detected.
Conclusions: Preliminary findings support further investigation of the benefits of Hatha yoga as a complementary therapy for those with T2DM.
Keywords: anxiety; cortisol; diabetes; glycemic control; stress; yoga.