Abstract
Background: Deficiency of insulin generally causes diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder with elevated blood glucose levels. Practicing pranayama effects the secretion of insulin and glucagon through neurohormonal modulation.

Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to assess effectiveness of 12 weeks pranayama in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male participants between age group of 36 and 55 years with type 2 diabetic patients of at least 1 year duration and those on diabetic diet and oral hypoglycemic agents were included in the study. After recording the baseline parameters (pre-intervention values) pranayama was practiced by all the participants once in a day, daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks post-intervention values were recorded from all participants and compared.

Results: Fasting blood glucose was significantly decreased followed by intervention. Postprandial blood glucose was decreased followed by the intervention. However, it is not statistically significant. Hemoglobin A1c and serum cortisol levels were significantly decreased followed by intervention. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased followed by intervention. Verbal memory was significantly improved followed by intervention.

Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence for beneficial effects of pranayama in the management of diabetes. We suggest further detailed studies in this regard to provide strong evidence for implementation of pranayama as a palliative care in the management of diabetes for the benefit of diabetic patients and to the population in general.