Effect of Yoga training and DASH diet on Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, Folate and insulin resistance in female with gestational diabetes

Research has shown that serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate are associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of yoga training with DASH diet on serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate and insulin resistance in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

In the present quasi-experimental study, 36 women with GDM were randomly selected and divided into three groups of 12 patient: yoga training, DASH diet and combination (yoga training and DASH diet). The research intervention included eight weeks of yoga training, three sessions per week and each training session for 50-60 minutes. The DASH diet was also monitored by a nutritionist. Fasting blood sampling was performed 24 hours before and 48 hours after the intervention.

After eight weeks, a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar levels was observed in the combination group compared to the DASH diet group (P = 0.045). Also, in the combination group, vitamin B12 reduction was significantly higher than the DASH diet group (P = 0.047), but no significant difference was observed between changes in insulin resistance, homocysteine, and folate between groups.

Although both practice yoga and DASH diet to lower blood glucose however, it has no significant effect on insulin resistance, homocytin and folate levels, and cannot prevent vitamin B12 depletion in gestational diabetes.