In this modern era stress is a commonly seen phenomenon. Stress affects physiological equilibrium leading to many pathologic conditions including endocrine disorders like diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes (DM2) has become a leading public health issue globally, with estimated 366 million people affected in 2011. DM2 is typified by hyperglycaemia in the presence of insulin resistance.6 Other key related hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities characterizing DM2 include elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation, as well as hypercoagulation and increased oxidative stress. Lifestyle factors, particularly, physical inactivity, overnutrition, and related obesity, are thought to be primarily responsible for the current global diabetes epidemic. Other contributing lifestyle-related factors include chronic stress, impaired sleep, and smoking. Physiological responses to stress including increased glucose production, glucose mobilisation and insulin resistance could partially mediate this risk. Meditation is a behavioural phenomenon which can be used to cause autonomic nervous system alterations and help in reducing stress and its effects.

Yoga-based practices may have significant beneficial effects on many factors important in DM2 management and prevention, including glycaemic control and lipid profiles. Raja yoga meditation is a superior form of meditation in which flow of thoughts is encouraged by using the mind in a natural way to relieve stress. Yoga practices can influence outcomes in those with and at risk for type 2 diabetes (DM2). Yoga may lessen the negative impact of stress and promote multiple positive downstream effects on metabolic function, neuroendocrine status, and related inflammatory responses and, ultimately, reduce risk for CVD and other vascular complications, by enhancing well-being and reducing reactivity and activation of the HPA axis and the sympathoadrenal system.

Thus, Raja yoga meditation can form an important supplementary therapy in conjunction with conventional therapeutic measures for T2DM.