Endocrinology and Yoga

The ultra-modernization has come at a cost of pandemic of many lifestyle disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Yoga is one of the most ancient and effective practice, harmonizing body and mind. It has a great potential in the prevention and management of lifestyle disorders and its resultant complications. Plethora of scientific work supports the role of Yoga in management of metabolic syndrome including type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review discusses available literature regarding Yoga and various endocrine disorders especially type 2 diabetes. Most of the studies suggest positive outcome regarding various parameters of glycaemia, body weight, and lipids. Some data has shown benefit of Yoga with regard to oxidative and inflammatory markers and adipokines. Some data discussed here has shown positive correlation of Yoga with thyroid disorders and polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, large-scale prospective randomized controlled studies are required so as to further establish the role of Yoga in metabolic syndrome and other endocrine disorders.