Abstract

Background: Out of many complications that were observed in Type 2 diabetes, cognitive impairment is the most neglected.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess the cognitive decline in Type 2 diabetes and to observe the role of yogasanas and pranayama in ameliorating the cognitive decline.

Materials and Methods: A total of 68 Type 2 diabetic patients were recruited in the study, 34 of them did specific yogasanas and pranayama (test group) for 6 months, and the remaining age- and sex-matched 34 patients were recruited as (control group) who were not on any specific exercise regimen. Glycemic index was estimated by measuring the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration with Bio-Rad apparatus and cognition were assessed using Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination-revised (ACE-R), which is a neuropsychological battery. Data were analyzed with unpaired student t-test. P < 0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Validity was assessed by receiver operating characteristics.

Results: Analysis of data indicated more cognitive scores in the test group when compared with the control group. In test group, 6 months practice of yogasanas and pranayama has also significantly brought down the high glycemic values which were observed in the control group.

Conclusion: These findings allow the study to conclude that regular practice of yogasanas and pranayama has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in Type 2 diabetic patients by stabilizing blood glucose.

Key words: Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised; Cognition; Glycosylated Hemoglobin; Type 2 Diabetes; Yogasanas and Pranayama