The Effect of Virtual Yoga Intervention on Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Patients With Diabetic Gastroparesis

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP), a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, is characterized by delayed gastric emptying without evidence of mechanical obstruction. It results from a complex interplay of factors, including hyperglycemia-induced vagal nerve dysfunction, and impaired gastric motility. DGP predominantly affects individuals with long-standing diabetes, particularly those with poor glycemic control or diabetic neuropathy .

The condition presents with a constellation of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety and abdominal pain, which significantly impair quality of life . Beyond its physiological burden, DGP often leads to psychological distress, mental well-being, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

Conventional management of DGP encompasses dietary modifications, pharmacological treatments, and invasive interventions. Small, frequent meals and low-fat, low-fiber diets are often recommended to minimize symptom severity. Pharmacological therapies, such as prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide, domperidone) and antiemetics, provide symptomatic relief but are limited by side effects and inconsistent efficacy. In refractory cases, interventions like gastric electrical stimulation may be employed. Despite these measures, most patients experience incomplete relief, highlighting the need for novel, holistic approaches to management.

In addition to conventional therapies, complementary and alternative approaches like acupressure, a non-invasive technique, have been explored as a potential intervention for gastroparesis. Studies suggest that acupressure points such as (P6) and (ST36), can improve gastric motility and reduce symptoms like nausea and vomiting by modulating vagal activity and enhancing gastric peristalsis.

Yoga, another integrative therapy, has also demonstrated efficacy in addressing gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia. Yoga-based intervention has shown promising results in improving autonomic regulation and managing diabetic neuropathy through yoga.