Effect of yoga on plasma glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and insulin requirement in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the short-term effect of yoga on plasma glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and insulin requirement in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Case presentation: A 28-years old female was diagnosed with T1DM at the age of seven. She was under Human Mixtard insulin 30-70, thrice/day for 15-15-15 units. She had a history of poor glycemic control, diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemic shock. At the age of 27, she got admitted with complaints of general weakness, joints stiffness and weight loss in our holistic health centre and underwent two weeks of yoga. Results showed a better reduction in the plasma glucose levels, lipid profile, blood pressure and insulin dose and an increase in hemoglobin levels with no episodes of hypoglycemia after yoga.

Conclusions: Yoga might be considered as a safer and effective adjuvant in the management of T1DM.

Keywords: CAM therapies; diabetes; type-1 diabetes mellitus; yoga.