A Pilot Study On The Efficacy Of Combined Yoga And Siddha Interventions In The Management Of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background:  Diabetes poses a significant threat to public health, underscores the urgent need for effective and sustainable management strategies. Traditional Indian systems, Siddha and Yoga offer holistic approaches that emphasize the overall well-being and can be integrated into modern diabetic health care.

Objective:To investigate the impact of a yoga and siddha intervention together in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Design: Randomised controlled pilot study                                                       

Methods: Thirty diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were randomized into YoSi (Integrated Yoga and Siddha) group (n=15), which received yoga interventions 2 times a week for 3 months with standard Siddha medication, and the Siddha group (n=15), which received standard Siddha medication alone. Pre- and post-assessments included Body Mass Index (BMI), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results: In YoSi group, there were significant reductions in BMI (p = 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.001), fasting insulin (p = 0.02), HOMA-IR (p = 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.015), LDL (p = 0.001), and an increase in HDL (p = 0.020). The Siddha group also demonstrated significant reductions in BMI (p = 0.010), HbA1c (p = 0.000), fasting insulin (p = 0.025) HOMA-IR (p = 0.003) and total cholesterol (p = 0.033), However, YoSi group achieved a more pronounced reductions in HbA1c (mean difference -1.84% vs -1.45%, p=0.056), and lipid parameters. Both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in PSS, with much greater decrease in YoSi group (median delta 50% vs 21%, p=0.001). P<0.05 is considered significant

Conclusions: The YoSi intervention shows potential benefits in managing type 2 diabetes. It showed improved glycaemic control, BMI, lipid profiles, and stress levels indicating the positive advantages in addressing both metabolic and psychological aspects of the disease. Larger randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy.