https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27774351

Diabetes was all over the news yesterday, with health experts warning that one in 10 adults in the UK will be at risk of developing diabetes by 2035. These are truly shocking figures.

A separate analysis says the cost of treating the UK's "diabetes epidemic" could soar to 17% of the NHS budget. Experts are warning the burden of treating diabetes, especially new cases of type 2, could bankrupt the NHS. Clearly something has to be done...and fast.

Just today, a new study was released looking at the impact of a 10 minute seated yoga practice in the management of diabetes. A total of 10 patients with type 2 diabetes, ages 49-77 were included in the study, and were either randomised to a yoga intervention and taught a 10 minute seated yoga practice, were given an explanatory DVD and a fold-out pocket guide to encourage adherence at home, and were instructed to incorporate the practice as often as they could. The patients in the control arm of the study were provided information and hand outs on the available yoga classes in their area.

At 3 month follow up, the average decrease in fasting capillary blood glucose was 45% among yoga participants! Heart rate dropped by 18% and diastolic blood pressure dropped by 29%. Researchers concluded that this small pilot study reinforces the current medical evidence supporting the use of yoga, combined with standard care, to improve health outcomes in diabetes.