A new exploratory study reports that yoga and walking can significantly enhance blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with the combination of both activities offering the most notable metabolic improvement.
Type 2 diabetes is characterised by reduced insulin sensitivity and impaired insulin production, making long-term lifestyle habits a critical part of managing the condition. Although physical activity and mind–body practices are known to help stabilize blood glucose, direct comparisons of yoga and walking—especially in rural communities—are limited. This pilot project investigated whether these two widely accessible practices could improve blood sugar levels and overall well-being in adults living with type 2 diabetes in a rural district of Assam.
The study monitored 20 adults with type 2 diabetes, divided into four groups: one practicing only yoga, one walking regularly, one combining both activities, and a control group. Over a 12-week period, participants followed their assigned routines while researchers tracked fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-meal blood sugar (PPBS), HbA1c, and various quality-of-life measures. Though the study size was modest, the design allowed a comparison of single versus combined lifestyle strategies to understand their influence on metabolic health.
Both yoga and walking resulted in significant decreases in fasting blood sugar. Improvements in PPBS were observed primarily in the group practicing yoga. All three active groups showed meaningful reductions in HbA1c, with the combined yoga-and-walking group demonstrating the most comprehensive glycaemic improvement. Quality-of-life outcomes differed between interventions: walking contributed more to psychological and social well-being, while yoga produced greater enhancement in environmental well-being. Overall, the results show that yoga and walking for type 2 diabetes can complement one another, addressing both physical and mental aspects of the condition.
The pilot study suggests that incorporating yoga and walking into daily routines may help adults with type 2 diabetes achieve better blood glucose control, especially when used together. The authors note that broader and more robust studies are needed to confirm these early positive results and to better understand how these practices can be integrated into long-term diabetes management.