The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of laughter yoga therapy and clapping exercise on the blood glucose level, blood pressure, insulin, lipid profile and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in obese adolescents with type 1 diabetic in rural areas of Delhi metro population.

For this purpose, we used laughter yoga, which includes respiratory laughing and fun exercises. The study involved 62 obese school children participants with type 1 diabetes ( age group 7-17 years), of which 31 were involved and 31 were not involved (control group) in laughter yoga. A 30-minute lecture was followed by 30-minute intense clapping workout for those participants who had laughter yoga included in the program for one month. Using a cross-sectional design, which includes age, family history of type 1 diabetes patients, exercise status and waist circumference, fasting glucose & insulin, glucose tolerance test (GTT), ECG, ultrasonography, regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, lipid profile, serum creatinine level and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and quality of life (QOL) indicators were done.

In both groups, the level of blood glucose was measured after 120 minutes. We found the inhibitory effect of laughter on the increase in postprandial blood glucose (P<0.05). After one month their blood glucose and insulin levels were closer to normal levels with increase in work efficiency in type 1 diabetic obese patients. Present study highlight that the successful treatment of obese diabetic children and adolescents not only requires anti-diabetic drugs; but also family care, life style education, harmonised mind-body-soul, awareness, psychological support, preventive approach toward activity of daily living.

Therefore preventive diabetes and obesity education programme & promotion of laughter yoga and clapping will be future plan of action which can be suggested in the students as part of an integrated approach.