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A study conducted by the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) has found that a 40-minute daily Yoga routine, incorporating select asanas and pranayama, along with standard lifestyle interventions, can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by approximately 40%. This surpasses the outcomes of existing diabetes prevention strategies in the country.

The study, titled "Yoga and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes - The Indian Prevention of Diabetes Study", and published by the prestigious Elsevier Ltd, was released by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, who is also the Life Patron of RSSDI. 

Conducted over three years across five centres in India and involving nearly 1,000 prediabetic individuals, the study revealed the efficacy of yoga to be better than methodologies adopted by the Indian Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which achieved a 28% risk reduction through lifestyle changes, and a 32% reduction through another trial combining lifestyle measures with stepwise medication (metformin).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said the study’s findings were a potential "game changer" for India's healthcare system. 

“This study stands out as the first well-designed, long-term trial to scientifically validate yoga's effectiveness in preventing diabetes. It highlights the importance of integrating yoga into national diabetes prevention policies to achieve widespread public health benefits. With over 101 million people currently living with diabetes and another 136 million in the prediabetic stage, the study's evidence-based approach could play a pivotal role in addressing the growing epidemic,” the minister said.

The study was conducted by a group of eminent RSSDI members including Prof S.V. Madhu, Head of Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; Prof H.B. Chandalia, former Head at Grant Medical College Mumbai and presently Head of Diabetes Endocrine Nutrition Management and Research Centre, Mumbai; and Dr Arvind Gupta, Manilek Research Centre, Jaipur, among others.

This groundbreaking evidence gathered by the study reaffirms the relevance of yoga, an ancient Indian practice, in tackling modern health challenges. It marks a milestone in diabetes prevention and the findings are set to influence national and global strategies for diabetes management.

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