How doing Yoga daily can reduce diabetes risk by almost half

Yoga, which is known for its miraculous benefits on the human body and mind, has now proven to be beneficial in managing a lifestyle disease. A new study has found that practicing yoga can slash the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40%.

A new research led by the experts at the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), found that yoga can prevent type 2 diabetes. The new report ‘Yoga and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes’ was presented to the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda.

What is type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body cannot make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance). The insulin is responsible for controlling glucose levels. When there is a lack or dysfunction in this hormone, it leads to a high level of glucose in the bloodstream.

Yoga and type 2 diabetes

According to the new report, practicing yoga regularly may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 40% in individuals predisposed to the condition. The study was led by Dr. S.V. Madhu, the head of the Department of Endocrinology at the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology, who is also a noted diabetologist, emphasized the potential of yoga in preventive healthcare. “This is one of the first such efforts that seeks to scientifically document the prevention of the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes with yoga. As per the authors of the report, there is as much as a 40% reduction in developing of Type 2 diabetes among potential individuals who practice yoga regularly,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, after the report was presented.

The new study also explored certain yoga asanas that are beneficial in preventing diabetes. Though previous studies have looked at the management of diabetes, this study exclusively focused on people who are at risk of developing the disease ( family history, and other factors), and also if he onset can be prevented altogether.

“The report has been submitted for further scrutiny. As per the authors, it is based on non-clinical observations,” Dr. Singh added. He also added that similar studies on how traditional wellness interventions like yoga can contribute to preventive and therapeutic health outcomes, are underway.


“This study reflects how ancient practices like yoga, when rigorously examined through scientific methods, can offer real-world health solutions. It’s a step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and building a healthier India,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, underlining that this report is a reaffirmation of India’s wellness heritage grounded in modern science.