Yoga could help management of diabetes

Scientists in India have reported that practicing yoga could help people suffering from type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and also lose some weight.
The study of 123 middle-aged and older adults, which was published in the journal Diabetes Care, revealed that taking gentle yoga classes as an addition to regular diabetes care helped patients to maintain their blood sugar levels, as compared to those on a control group who did not practice yoga, as well as assisting them to lose a few pounds in the process.
Of the 60 participants in the study who had yoga classes several times a week, the average body mass index (BMI) was reduced from 25.9 to 25.4, with a BMI of around 25 to 30 being seen as overweight.
Lead researcher Shreelaxmi V. Hegde, commented “In our study the effect of yoga on BMI (body mass index) and blood sugar control was marginal.”
She added, “But it should be noted that yoga controlled the blood sugar levels which otherwise rose in the control group.”
However, the researchers did not recommend yoga as the only type of exercise hat diabetics should take, as more rigorous physical activities are better at losing weight and keeping people healthy.