Can yoga prevent diabetes? Union Minister Jitendra Singh releases landmark RSSDI study

New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a Professor of Medicine, a renowned Diabetologist and Life Patron of the "Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India" (RSSDI), the world's largest organisation of Diabetes researchers and practitioners, today released the landmark RSSDI study on "Yoga and Diabetes Prevention". 

The study was conducted by a group of eminent RSSDI members including Prof SV 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 Diabetes Endocrine Nutrition Management and Research Centre, Mumbai, Dr Arvind Gupta, Manilek Research Centre Jaipur and others.

The study has been published by prestigious Elsvier Ltd.

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On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the transformative potential of Yoga in the prevention of Type-2 diabetes. In his remarks, the Union Minister emphasized the remarkable findings of this groundbreaking study, which demonstrates how Yoga can significantly reduce diabetes risk among individuals with prediabetes.

Briefing the Minister about some of the salient features of the Study, the first author Prof S.V. Madhu said, the study titled "Yoga and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes-The Indian Prevention of Diabetes Study" initiated by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) marks a milestone in diabetes prevention.

Conducted over three years across five centres in India and involving nearly 1,000 prediabetic individuals, the study highlights 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%. These results surpass the outcomes of existing diabetes prevention strategies in the country.

The Indian Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) achieved a 28% risk reduction through lifestyle changes, while another trial combining lifestyle measures with stepwise medication (metformin) reported a 32% reduction. The efficacy of yoga in this study outperformed both, showcasing its superiority as a standalone preventive measure.

Dr Jitendra Singh described the study findings as a potential "game changer" for India's healthcare system. 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 stressed the importance of integrating yoga into national diabetes prevention policies to achieve widespread public health benefits. This Study stands out as the first well-designed, long-term trial to scientifically validate yoga's effectiveness in preventing diabetes, he said.

This groundbreaking evidence reaffirms the relevance of yoga, an ancient Indian practice, in tackling modern health challenges, he added.

The Indian Prevention of Diabetes Study is a pioneering initiative by RSSDI aimed at exploring innovative and sustainable approaches to diabetes prevention. Published in Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, the study's findings are set to influence national and global strategies for diabetes management.

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