Effect of Yoga on Cognitive Enhancement in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Globally, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing health concern, currently affecting over 537 million adults and projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. In India alone, approximately 101 million individuals are impacted. Beyond the well-documented complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues, recent studies highlight a concerning association between T2DM and cognitive decline, with prevalence rates of cognitive impairment ranging from 21.8% to 45%. This decline, if unrecognized, can complicate diabetes self-management, leading to poor glycemic control, and increased health risks. This review synthesizes existing literature on the cognitive health of individuals with T2DM and examines the potential of yoga as a therapeutic intervention. Yoga, an ancient mind–body practice, incorporates physical postures, breath control, and meditation, which have been shown to enhance cognitive function by reducing stress, promoting brain plasticity, and improving glucose regulation. The study discusses specific yoga practices that may benefit cognitive health in T2DM patients and suggests their integration into clinical diabetes care. The findings advocate for holistic approaches, such as yoga, to foster cognitive resilience and enhance overall well-being in individuals managing T2DM. Cognitive impairment in T2DM: Cognitive decline among T2DM patients is a growing concern, with studies indicating a wide range of impairment rates. Factors contributing to this decline include chronic hyperglycemia, vascular damage, and neuroinflammation. Recognizing cognitive impairment in this population is vital for timely intervention, yet routine cognitive screening remains rare in diabetes care settings. The role of yoga: Yoga offers a promising, integrative approach to enhancing cognitive health among T2DM patients. This review suggests that yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to adversely affect cognitive function. Specific practices, such as mindfulness meditation, asanas, and pranayama, have demonstrated benefits in improving attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Furthermore, yoga’s influence on physical health such as improved glycemic control also indirectly supports cognitive function.