According to the International Journal of Yoga, January 2012 paper, Effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical parameters and wellness score of peri and post-menopausal diabetic patients:
It is now recognized that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifestyle and psychosomatic disorder in which factors such as sedentary habits and physical, emotional and mental stress play a major role. Modern research has focused on psycho-physiological beneficial effects of yoga as it is more than a physical exercise. It has been reported that even a short life-style modification and stress management education program based on yoga reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease and DM within 9 days while a systematic review of 32 articles published between 1980 and 2007 found that yoga interventions were generally effective in reducing body weight, blood pressure, glucose level and high cholesterol.
The study evaluated the effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical parameters, and the wellness score of 15 peri and post-menopausal diabetic patients. The patients participated in a comprehensive yoga therapy program where they received training for a one-hour session three times a week for six weeks. A post-intervention, retrospective wellness questionnaire was used to evaluate the comparative feelings of the patients after the therapy program. The study was unable to have a control group.
Yoga training reduced the auditory reaction time (ART) from right as well as left hand. According to the paper, reduced ART implies better information processing ability and reflexes. In addition, there were significant improvements in blood glucose levels, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. The patients also reported a greater feeling of well being. The study concluded that yoga therapy can have role in managing diabetes as part of integrative and complementary medicine.
Table 1 in the study gives the sequence and duration times of yoga asanas and pranayamas used as yoga therapy.
I would like readers to note that these were done under medical supervision and that the same may not be appropriate for everyone. An experienced yoga therapist, along with a medical provider, must be consulted for individual situations. A single program cannot be applied across the board for everyone.
Source: Madanmohan, Bhavanani AB, Dayanidy G, Sanjay Z, Basavaraddi IV. Effect of yoga therapy on reaction time, biochemical parameters and wellness score of peri and post-menopausal diabetic patients. Int J Yoga [serial online] 2012 [cited 2012 Feb 27];5:10-5. Available from: http://www.ijoy.org.in/text.asp?2012/5/1/10/91696
Mahasri Yoga 
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