Integrating Low-Cost Interventions: Yoga and Walking Demonstrate Significant Glycemic Benefit in Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study found a substantial time-dependent decrease in acute blood glucose levels (FBS and PPBS) in patients with type 2 diabetes, with the combined yoga-and-walking group showing the greatest improvements.

This pilot study was published in the journal Cureus in November 2025.

Study Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a prevalent chronic metabolic disease, characterized primarily by defective insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and the inability of insulin-sensitive tissues to respond effectively to insulin. This condition significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL), increases medical costs, and raises mortality risk due to numerous potentially fatal health complications. While standard management necessitates medication and a balanced diet, physical activity is an affordable therapeutic approach recognized for managing T2DM. Both yoga and walking are effective, low-cost strategies for promoting wellness in diabetics. The American Diabetes Association recognizes yoga as a beneficial physical activity for patients with diabetes. Given the pervasive global issue of obesity and the alarming rate at which T2DM is spreading, implementing effective and swift measures using low-cost lifestyle interventions is imperative.

Study Overview

To quantify the efficacy of these non-pharmacological methods, researchers adopted a quasi-experimental pilot design. Data were collected over a three-month period in the Mirza areas of Kamrup Rural district of Assam. The study included 20 adults with confirmed Type 2 Diabetes who were actively treated with oral hypoglycemic agents, had confirmed T2DM for 5−10 years, and were aged 30−60 years.

These patients were divided into four groups of five each: Group I (Yoga, 60 minutes, 5x/week for 12 weeks), Group II (Walking, 30 minutes, 5x/week for 12 weeks), Group III (Combined yoga for 60 minutes and walk for 30 minutes on alternate days), and Group IV (Control, maintaining usual routine care). Biochemical confirmation was mandated, requiring a fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, a postprandial blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL, or an HbA1c level ≥ 6.5%. All groups maintained their existing medication regimens and received standardized dietary advice. The primary outcome measures included blood glucose levels (FBS, PPBS, and HbA1c) and QoL, assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).

Study Findings

• The results demonstrated clear benefits across the intervention groups compared to the control group, which showed no meaningful change in any glycemic indicator.

• All three intervention groups (yoga, walking, and combined) demonstrated a progressive and notable reduction in mean FBS and PPBS scores. The most substantial improvements were observed in the combined yoga and walking group.

• Importantly, across the 12-week intervention period, all three intervention groups had a statistically significant drop in HbA1c levels.

• The yoga group demonstrated improvements in the physical and psychological domains. The walking group showed a marked increase in psychological QoL and a progressive improvement in social relationships across all posttests. The combined yoga and walking group exhibited a significant increase in psychological QoL scores, which was also maintained.

• The environmental domain remained unchanged across all groups and time points. The control group showed no improvement in any QoL domain over the study period.

Given that these interventions are cost-effective and accessible, integrating supervised yoga, walking, or a combination into comprehensive diabetes management programs is a beneficial adjuvant therapy to improve clinical outcomes and patient quality of life. However, the small sample size (N=20), short duration, and quasi-experimental design necessitate that these compelling findings be verified through more extensive investigations.

Clinical Implications

For clinicians managing T2DM, these findings reinforce the value of incorporating structured physical activity into treatment protocols. The results suggest that yoga and walking interventions, whether implemented individually or in conjunction, are potent, non-pharmacological adjuncts that enhance glycemic control, especially the combined approach, which yielded the most substantial improvements in acute blood glucose levels (FBS and PPBS). Furthermore, the specific improvements observed in QoL domains (psychological, social, and environmental) suggest that these interventions contribute positively to the overall well-being of the diabetic patient.

Reference: Hazarika D, Khan I, Lahkar M (November 16, 2025) Effects of Yoga and Walking on Blood Glucose Levels and Quality of Life in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study. Cureus 17(11): e97023. doi:10.7759/cureus.97023