What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for Type 2 Diabetes, such as physical activity and stress reduction, work by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps cells use glucose more effectively and aids in weight management, reducing insulin resistance. Stress reduction techniques, like yoga, lower cortisol levels, which can prevent blood sugar spikes. These mechanisms are essential for managing Type 2 Diabetes as they target the underlying issues of insulin resistance and high blood sugar, thereby enhancing overall metabolic health.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Type 2 Diabetes that involve physical activity and stress reduction, such as Iyengar Yoga and standard exercise programs, generally have minimal side effects. Physical activity can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal injuries, especially if not performed correctly. Additionally, individuals may experience temporary muscle soreness or fatigue. Stress reduction techniques like yoga are generally safe but may cause dizziness or discomfort in some individuals, particularly those new to the practice. Overall, these interventions are well-tolerated and beneficial for managing Type 2 Diabetes.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several drugs for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes that complement lifestyle interventions like physical activity and stress reduction. These include metformin, which is often the first-line treatment due to its efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, have been approved for their benefits in glycemic control and cardiovascular outcomes. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, like canagliflozin, are also approved and have shown benefits in reducing blood glucose levels and cardiovascular events. These pharmacologic treatments, when combined with lifestyle modifications like exercise and stress reduction, offer a comprehensive approach to managing Type 2 Diabetes.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to Iyengar Yoga and Standard Exercise Programs for Type 2 Diabetes patients include supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise programs, as evidenced by the Japanese study showing improvements in diabetic parameters. Additionally, high-intensity versus low-intensity supervised aerobic and resistance training, as studied in the Italian Diabetes and Exercise Study (IDES), has shown benefits in modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. These structured and supervised exercise interventions could be considered novel and effective alternatives for managing Type 2 Diabetes.

← Back to Search

Yoga for Type 2 Diabetes

N/A

Recruiting

Research Sponsored by The Miriam Hospital

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age 18 years and older

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Serious comorbid condition (such as uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma, heart failure)

Extremely obese (i.e. Body Mass Index > 45 kg/m2)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 6 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves adults with type-2 diabetes participating in either Iyengar yoga or a standard exercise program for a few months. The goal is to see if these activities can help manage diabetes and to understand how well people stick to these routines over time. The study will also check if these programs are practical and acceptable for people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Iyengar yoga has been studied as a complementary therapy for type-2 diabetes, showing promise in improving glycemic control and overall wellbeing.

Who is the study for?

Adults over 18 with type-2 diabetes who are stable on medications can join this study. It's not for those currently practicing yoga or similar activities, pregnant individuals, people unable to read/write English, extremely obese persons (BMI > 45), or those with serious health issues like uncontrolled hypertension or complications from diabetes.

What is being tested?

The trial is testing the effectiveness of a 12-week Iyengar yoga program compared to a standard exercise regimen in managing type-2 diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two groups and followed up at 3 and 6 months post-intervention.

What are the potential side effects?

Yoga may cause muscle soreness or strain if not practiced correctly. Standard exercises could also lead to similar physical strains. Nutrition counseling should have minimal side effects but might require dietary changes.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I do not have any serious health conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, or heart failure.

Select...

My BMI is over 45.

Select...

I have complications from diabetes like eye, nerve, or kidney problems.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 6 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~6 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 6 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Acceptability as indicated by participant satisfaction ratings

Feasibility assessed as session attendance

Secondary study objectives

Body Mass Index

Diabetes Distress as measured by the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale

Fasting Blood Glucose

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: YogaExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

12-week program, 60 minutes, twice weekly group-delivered Iyengar yoga

Group II: Standard ExerciseActive Control2 Interventions

12-week, 60 minutes, twice weekly group-delivered aerobic exercise (e.g., walking) program

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Nutrition Counseling

2015

Completed Phase 2

~320

Iyengar yoga

2010

N/A

~70

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Type 2 Diabetes, such as physical activity and stress reduction, work by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps cells use glucose more effectively and aids in weight management, reducing insulin resistance. Stress reduction techniques, like yoga, lower cortisol levels, which can prevent blood sugar spikes. These mechanisms are essential for managing Type 2 Diabetes as they target the underlying issues of insulin resistance and high blood sugar, thereby enhancing overall metabolic health.

Development of a Yoga Program for Type-2 Diabetes Prevention (YOGA-DP) Among High-Risk People in India.Metabolic effects of interventions to increase exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes.