The effect of yoga training with DASH diet on plasma levels of vitamin D and calcium in female with gestational diabetes

Background: Vitamin D is one of the micronutrients associated with insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of yoga training with DASH diet on plasma levels of vitamin D and calcium in women with gestational diabetes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 women with gestational diabetes were divided into three groups, yoga training (n=8), DASH diet (n=5) and training with diet (n=7). The exercise protocol consisted of eight weeks of yoga practice, three sessions per week, and each session lasted 50-60 minutes. The DASH diet was also controlled by a nutritionist. Blood samples were taken before and after eight weeks of interventions. In order to investigate the intra- and inter-group changes, respectively, t-test and covariance analysis and using SPSS software version 22 and a significant level of P 05 0.05 was used. Results: Significant decrease was founded in vitamin D level in yoga training group (P = 0.017) and significant increase was founded calcium level in DASH group (P = 0.009) and significant decrease was founded in FBS in Combined group (P = 0.019) and DASH (P = 0.008). Fasting blood sugar reduction in the combined group was significantly higher than in the DASH group (P = 0.045). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be said that yoga practice interventions and DASH diet are suitable methods for glycemic control in gestational diabetes.