Authors and Institutions:
Authors: M. Čokolič, Š. Stangler Herodež, S. Sternad, S. Krebs.
Institutions: University Clinical Centre Maribor, Slovenia, and the International Institute for Laughter, Maribor.
Published Year: 2013
Background:
Why was the study conducted?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management. Negative emotions such as stress and anxiety can raise blood glucose levels, while positive emotions like laughter have been shown to improve hormonal and immune functions.

The researchers hypothesized that Laughter Yoga, which combines laughter exercises, deep breathing, and physical activity, could reduce post-meal blood glucose levels and enhance well-being.

Study Objective:
To evaluate whether Laughter Yoga could lower postprandial (after eating) blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetic patients compared to a control group that did not practice Laughter Yoga.

Participants:
Total Number: 211 adults with Type 2 diabetes who were not on insulin therapy.
Groups:
Intervention Group (110): Participated in Laughter Yoga.
Control Group (101): Only attended a lecture without physical activity.

Medication Use:
With medicines: 127 participants.
Without medicines: 84 participants.

Study Protocol:
Initial Setup:
Both groups fasted before the study. Blood glucose was measured at the start (fasting blood glucose, FBG).
Standard Meal (250 Kcal):
30g brown bread, 150g apple, 15g butter, 200 ml unsweetened tea

Activities:
Intervention Group:
Attended a 90-minute lecture, followed by 30 minutes of Laughter Yoga involving clapping, walking, laughing, stretching, and breathing exercises.

Control Group:
Attended only the 90-minute lecture without additional physical activity.

Post-Activity Testing:
Blood glucose was measured again 120 minutes after the meal (postprandial blood glucose, PPBG).

Results:
Blood Glucose Levels:
Laughter Yoga Group:
Pre: 9.75 mmol/L
Post: 8.19 mmol/L (Decrease by 1.56 mmol/L, P < 0.001).

Control Group:

Pre: 8.35 mmol/L

Post: 10.04 mmol/L (Increase by 1.69 mmol/L, P < 0.001).

Well-Being Assessment:
Participants in the Laughter Yoga group reported improvements in: Mood and optimism. Energy levels and breathing. Reduced stress and better physical and mental relaxation.

Key Findings:

Laughter Yoga effectively reduced blood glucose spikes after meals, making it a non-drug therapy for managing diabetes.

It also enhanced emotional well-being, which is vital for long-term diabetes care.

Regular practice could help prevent diabetes-related complications by improving blood sugar control.

Conclusion:

Laughter Yoga is a simple, effective, and enjoyable approach that combines physical activity with emotional positivity. It offers both physiological and psychological benefits and can be used as a complementary therapy for diabetes management