Giovanni Cangelosi, Mattia Acito, Iolanda Grappasonni, Cuc Thi Thu Nguyen, Marina Tesauro, Paola Pantanetti, Luciana Morichetti, Enrico Ceroni, Andrea Benni, Fabio Petrelli
Journal: Annali di igiene : medicina preventiva e di comunita 2024;36(2):153-168
PMID: 38265639
Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. With the predicted rise in diabetes cases, alternative approaches to managing this condition are essential. This study aimed to evaluate yoga or mindfulness interventions on diabetic subjects. This study was a scoping review analysing qualitative-quantitative data from selected randomised controlled trials (12 on mindfulness, 9 on yoga, and 1 combining both disciplines). Results showed that yoga and mindfulness showed strong potential not only for stress management but also for improving clinical-metabolic parameters. In fact, practicing yoga was associated with better glycaemic control, lipid profiles, and overall body composition in adult diabetic patients. Authors concluded that alternative practices such as yoga and mindfulness could support traditional treatments and promote a holistic approach to self-care of diabetes.
BACKGROUND
About one in 11 adults worldwide suffers from diabetic disease with constantly increasing prevalence; from the 529 million patients registered in 2021, the number of people with diabetes was predicted to rise to approximately 1.31 billion in 2050. In Italy, 5.9% of the population is diabetic, with a higher prevalence with increasing age and in the South of the country. Yoga and Mindfulness could represent a valid support for the care of diabetic subjects especially in a stressful caring context such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
STUDY DESIGN
A scoping review was conducted to achieve the goals of the study. Yoga or Mindfulness interventions on diabetic subjects were specifically analyzed and qualitative-quantitative data collected in the selected randomized controlled trials were extensive for possible meta-analysis.
METHODS
The review was conducted by two independent practitioners and a third one was consulted in case of conflict. The PRISMA method was used for both the selection and reporting of the studies to be included. Specific PICOS and search strategies have been developed on PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases. Included in the review were: randomised controlled trials, full dissertation articles and papers in English with a time limit on May 31, 2022.
RESULTS
The Review included 22 studies; 12 on Mindfulness, 9 on Yoga and one about both disciplines; among these, one studied patients with Type 1 Diabetes, 14 with Type 2 Diabetes, 6 with both and one with Gestational Diabetes. Only one paper studied adolescent subjects while the other 21 focused on a range of adult subjects. The studies showed that Yoga and Mindfulness have strong potential not only on stress management, but also on clinical-metabolic parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
The recent Covid-19 pandemic has certainly redesigned a new way of treating and managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes. An increasingly fragile population, and with the growing need to reduce overall stress levels, could find alternative practices in Yoga and Mindfulness to support conventional therapies.
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