May 22, 2024
by Karen Angelo
The practice of yoga dates back to 2,700 BC and has stood the test of time, with generations of people turning to yoga for its mental, spiritual and health benefits.
Now, a group of researchers, including Dr. Herpreet Shinde, an associate professor of public health at the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, is investigating whether yoga can help manage type 2 diabetes.
“Past studies have shown that yoga can be an effective treatment for certain health conditions, but they have had methodological concerns, including small participant numbers and lack of a control group,” says Shinde, who leads the new study at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. [latest] The study measures health indicators in the yoga and control groups and tracks them over time to see if they continue with the program.”
The study comes at a time when the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is on the rise. Currently, diabetes affects 38 million Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 90% to 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes experience high blood sugar levels because their bodies cannot effectively use the hormone insulin. If not properly managed, it can increase the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye disease and dental problems.
Researchers are looking into whether yoga can help regulate stress hormones and control blood sugar levels.
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and also conducted at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, involved about 90 adults with type 2 diabetes but no other serious medical conditions.
The researchers are comparing two groups of participants: those taking part in a 12-week yoga program and those who do standard exercise such as brisk walking and working out at the gym. They are collecting data on blood sugar levels, stress, body composition, diet, physical activity, sleep, and more. Study participants will complete the 12-week yoga program live via Zoom and visit a research center for assessments. They will complete the standard exercise on their own.
“We are comparing the improvements in health outcomes in each group and also evaluating whether people are motivated enough to develop the habit of continuing the yoga program versus standard exercise,” Shinde says. “Like exercise, yoga may be an effective way to manage blood sugar levels alongside diet, weight management and medication.”
Cosette Scott (’24), a Master of Public Health graduate, and Meilani Chen (’24), a Bachelor of Public Health graduate, are working as research assistants on the project. Their responsibilities include screening individuals for eligibility, collecting data, verifying participants, and conducting follow-up visits.
“Learning about the potential benefits of yoga in managing diabetes was fascinating and further piqued my interest in exploring different approaches to health interventions,” Chen said. “I gained valuable insights into study design, data analysis, and effectively communicating research findings.”
Scott said taking part in the project has enriched his skills.
“My research work has developed critical thinking skills, attention to detail and communication skills that will be invaluable in my future career as an epidemiologist,” she says.
If the results of this pilot study are promising, the researchers plan to apply for additional funding to conduct an efficacy study with a larger number of participants.