Yoga as an alternative to cycling in type 1 diabetes: a preliminary study of acute effects on glucose levels

We evaluated the acute effects of yoga compared to cycling on glucose change and variability, and the occurrence of hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes. Fifteen participants performed 50 min of cycling or yoga. Glucose values were collected before and after exercise. Coefficient of Variation (CV) and hypoglycemic episodes were evaluated from the start up to 12 hours after exercise. Cycling and yoga significantly reduced glucose values during exercise, and CV was lower after yoga. One hypoglycemic episode occurred with yoga and seven with cycling. Yoga is a safe exercise that acutely reduces glucose values, but with lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to cycling.