Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 25: In a significant breakthrough in preventive healthcare, a new study has revealed that regular yoga practice can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 40%. The report, titled Yoga and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, was presented to Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda by experts from the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI).
The research, led by Dr. S.V. Madhu, head of the Endocrinology Department at University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, focuses on individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to genetic and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that daily yoga practice can play a critical role in delaying or even preventing the onset of the condition.
Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body’s insulin becomes ineffective or insufficient, leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The study demonstrates that yoga helps in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose levels, ultimately lowering the risk for those genetically predisposed to the disease.
Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, a practicing diabetologist himself, hailed the findings as a major step in blending India’s ancient wellness traditions with modern science. “This is among the first efforts to document scientifically how yoga can prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. It underscores the importance of preventive healthcare,” Dr. Singh said.
The study also highlights specific yoga asanas that benefit metabolic health, though the report is currently based on non-clinical observations and awaits further scrutiny.
Experts believe this development could boost nationwide efforts to combat lifestyle-related disorders through traditional practices. “Ancient practices like yoga, when backed by rigorous science, can offer modern solutions to India’s growing health challenges,” Dr. Singh added.
With further studies in the pipeline, the integration of yoga into mainstream diabetes prevention programmes could be a transformative step towards a healthier India.