Effect of an integrated naturopathy and yoga program on long-term glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A prospective cohort study
MRaghavendra Rao, Srinivas Bairy, SrinivasReddy Edla, SatyanarayanaRaju Manthena, NV Gnana Deep Tatavarti
Abstract
<br><b>Aim:</b> Lifestyle is an important risk factor for increasing the prevalence of diabetes in the Indian population. In this study, we evaluate the effects of naturopathy treatment, salt-restricted low-calorie diets, and yoga in long-term glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. <b>Methods:</b> In this prospective, longitudinal, two-arm cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus referred from a tertiary care center undergoing a 3-month residential naturopathy treatment were compared with those undergoing only conventional management on glycemic control. Both fasting and postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) levels were assessed at baseline, 3 months following intervention, at 6 months, and 12 months from the study start. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with <i>post hoc</i> Bonferroni correction. <b>Results:</b> Naturopathy and yoga intervention significantly reduced PPBG levels (<i>P</i> < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin levels (<i>P</i> < 0.001), and reduced requirement for antidiabetic medications (<i>P</i> < 0.008) in the intervention group compared to controls. The effects were more profound immediately following intervention and lasted up to 6 months from the start of the study. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results suggest benefit with an intensive residential naturopathy-based lifestyle intervention program. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate the findings.<br>