Yoga can reduce Type 2 diabetes risk by 40 per cent: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Ahead of the International Day of Yoga, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh released a book highlighting the role of yoga in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

The book titled ''Yoga and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrated Approach to Wellness'' presents yoga as a scientifically supported preventive healthcare intervention, particularly in the context of India’s growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases. It highlights evidence suggesting that regular yoga practice may help reduce the risk of progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes by nearly 40 percent.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Singh said yoga is no longer seen only as a traditional wellness practice rooted in ancient Indian knowledge, but is now increasingly being recognised across the world as an evidence-based intervention with significant relevance in preventive healthcare. He noted that with the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes, hypertension, obesity and other lifestyle-related conditions, it has become essential to encourage people to adopt preventive health practices as part of their daily routine. 

Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Minister said that healthy ageing should not be understood merely in terms of living longer. He emphasised that the true goal of healthy ageing is to ensure that individuals are able to live with better physical health, mental well-being, functional independence and improved quality of life. He added that prevention of chronic diseases must remain central to the idea of ageing well, the PIB stated.

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Dr Singh further stated that the release of the book assumes special significance in view of the findings of the Indian Prevention of Diabetes Study, which has been described as the first long-term randomised controlled trial to demonstrate the role of yoga in reducing the risk of progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. According to the findings cited in the publication, regular yoga practice was associated with a nearly 40 percent reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among individuals with prediabetes. 

The book offers a detailed overview of the role of yoga in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. It reviews available scientific literature, explores the physiological and metabolic pathways through which yoga may contribute to better health outcomes, and discusses its possible effects on insulin sensitivity, stress reduction, weight management, lifestyle modification and overall metabolic health.

In addition to presenting scientific evidence, the publication also provides practical guidance on yogic practices that may support diabetes prevention and wellness. It aims to serve as a useful resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and individuals interested in adopting lifestyle-based approaches for diabetes risk reduction.

According to the Ministry, the book reflects an integrated approach to wellness by bringing together traditional knowledge and modern scientific research. It underlines the importance of preventive strategies in addressing non-communicable diseases and promotes yoga as a low-cost, accessible and holistic practice that can be incorporated into routine healthcare and community wellness programmes. 

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