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Tai Chi may reduce diabetes symptoms
Posted on Mar 10th 2007 8:00AM by Bethany SandersDo you have type 2 diabetes? If so, you may want to look up your nearest community center or gym for a local Tai Chi Chuan class. When practicing the ancient martial art, participants move their body through a series of postures and movements in slow, graceful motion. Tai Chi -- which is self-paced and non-competitive -- is often recommended for stress reduction, flexibility, and for strengthening the entire body.
Tai Chi was recently found to improve immune function in healthy adults, and researchers thought it may do the same for diabetics. During the study, 32 participants with diabetes took a 12-week Tai Chi class and showed a significant improvement in their blood work. Because diabetics experience chronic inflammation, researchers believe their response to the Tai Chi exercises may have been due to improved immune function which reduced that inflammation, or to improvement in glucose metabolism.
I've tried Tai Chi myself, just for fun, and I really enjoyed it. Though I recommend learning from an actual teacher in person, there are plenty of videos out there to help you get started if you can't find a local class.
Tai Chi was recently found to improve immune function in healthy adults, and researchers thought it may do the same for diabetics. During the study, 32 participants with diabetes took a 12-week Tai Chi class and showed a significant improvement in their blood work. Because diabetics experience chronic inflammation, researchers believe their response to the Tai Chi exercises may have been due to improved immune function which reduced that inflammation, or to improvement in glucose metabolism.
I've tried Tai Chi myself, just for fun, and I really enjoyed it. Though I recommend learning from an actual teacher in person, there are plenty of videos out there to help you get started if you can't find a local class.
