Healthy living
Exercise and fitness
Tackle diabetes with Tai Chi
Practising the ancient art of Tai Chi may help type 2 diabetes sufferers control their condition, say researchers in Taiwan
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, compared 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy volunteers. Over a 12-week period the two groups were given three hour-long Tai Chi classes a week in which they learned 37 movements. They were also given a video so they could practise their new moves at home.
After the trial period the participants with type 2 diabetes showed a significant drop in their blood sugar levels and an increase in the activity of T cells which are a key element of the body’s immune system.
Research has found that while strenuous activity can impair the immune system, moderate exercise is beneficial. Tai Chi is an ideal activity for people with diabetes because it offers low impact, non-strenuous exercise. The researchers suggest that Tai Chi boosts the body’s immunity by either improving the way the body breaks down sugar or by simply raising fitness levels and increasing a general sense of well-being.
‘This interesting new research further confirms that moderate exercise is vital in effectively managing Type 2 diabetes,’ said Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK. ‘In addition the relaxation element of Tai Chi may help to reduce stress levels, preventing the release of adrenalin which can lead to insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels.’
The traditional Chinese martial art combines deep breathing and relaxation with gentle movement. It has been practiced in China for hundreds of years and is believed to promote health and longevity.
Indeed previous studies have found that Tai Chi can also help people with heart failure, respiratory conditions and stress.
About 1.8 million people in the UK live with type 2 diabetes. If it is not controlled either by medication or lifestyle changes it can cause serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and blindness.
Diabetes UK recommends that people with diabetes do a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on at least five days of the week. Moderate physical activity is anything that leaves you feeling warm and slightly breathless and can include activities ranging from Tai Chi to gardening or walking the dog.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
