Background
In Kuwait, almost one fourth of the population is affected with diabetes thus it is a huge burden and growing problem on the health care system. There are many avenues available to combat this non-communicable disease. Alternative and complementary therapy in addition to pharmacologic treatment is one of them. Many diabetic patients are inclined towards such approach as a treatment to ailments or as an adjunct to existing therapy. Diabetes being psychologically and behaviorally demanding disease indicates that psychosocial factors are relevant to nearly all aspects of its management. Yoga, a mind-body therapy originating from India has been regarded as an omnibus approach to healing by uniting the body to the mind manifested by self- awareness, emotional stability and peace of mind. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a unique yogic breathing practice which involves several types of cyclic breathing patterns ranging from slow and calming to rapid and stimulating. This results in management of stress, control of psycho physiological states and improvement in organ function. SKY is known to enhance sleep quality and thus improves psychological well-being. In the State of Kuwait and probably in the gulf region, no previous study exist assessing the effect of yoga. 

Aim
To evaluate the effect of SKY on quality of life, anxiety and glycemic control of type 2 diabetic patients.

Method
The study design is pre and post assessment of SKY intervention with target of 25 participants. Consent was obtained from the eligible participants based on the inclusion criteria and were provided with quality of life and anxiety questionnaire. Along with the questionnaire their  lipid profile, HbA1c were measured at baseline. Certified SKY yoga trainer provided SKY course for 5 days at Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI). On the 5th day questionnaire were again administered to the participants.  SKY instruction manual were provided to the participants to practice SKY at home for around 40 minutes once daily. HbA1c and lipid profile were measured post 15 week SKY course. They visited DDI for the follow up twice within a gap of two weeks. 
Results: Pilot study to assess the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga(SKY)  on anxiety, depression, quality of life and glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients in the State of Kuwait indicates improvement in anxiety, depression , QOL with statistically significance ( P<0.05) post SKY intervention.  Mean anxiety score for severity reduced from 9 to 0(  P<0.002), tension score for severity reduced from 10 to 2( P<0.002), insomnia score for severity reduced from 10 to 1(P<0.005), mean depressed mood severity score reduced from 6 to 2(P<0.029)

A pilot study to evaluate the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) on the Total QOL and anxiety of type 2 DM patients