ABSTRACT
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus describes a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or insulin action or both. Diabetic management consists of a combination of diet, exercise, and weight loss. Sudarshan Kriya yoga use specific rhythms of the breath to eliminate stress, support the various organs and systems and restore peace of mind but no scientific study has been done to assess the efficacy. Hence the study was done to establish a scientific basis of sudarshan kriya yoga as an adjunct to conventional medical management on functional capacity, Quality of life and stress levels in type 2 diabetic subjects. Materials and Methods: 60 subjects were enrolled and according to their latest glycemic index (HbA1c), stratified into 2 groups (30 in each group) – with fair to good control (<8) and with poor control (>8). Block randomization method using a block of four was used for random allocation of subjects to experimental (sudarshankriya yoga) and control groups (breathing exercises). Baseline assessment of Functional Capacity, Quality of life and stress levels was done using 6 Minute Walk Test, SF-36 and Hamilton depression rating Scale respectively. The pre post measurements of outcome measures were analysed. Results: Following 4 weeks of Sudarshan kriya Yoga and Breathing exercises, there was a statistically significant increase in 6 MWD, SF 36 scores in all domains and reduction in % Heart Rate rise and Hamilton Depression Rating scores and no statistically significant reduction in Basal Heart Rate. However the increase was statistically more significant in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Sudarshan Kriya yoga has an effect on functional capacity, quality of life and stress levels in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. As Sudarshan Kriya Yoga shows improvement not only in the autonomic function but also shows a reduction in stress levels, it should be incorporated as an adjunct in the management of these subjects. KEY WORDS: Diabetes Mellitus, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, SF 36.