Tai Chi Knocks Out Diabetes

by Nicole

Two separate studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine have found that Tai Chi can help control type 2 diabetes. Both sets of researchers, working independently at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and the University of Queensland in Australia, found that a 12 week exercise program based on the ancient Chinese meditative martial art form boosted the immune system and significantly reduced blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the (over) developed world. Over 20 million Americans suffer from the condition. Type 2, which is linked to obesity, accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases in America. Over the last fifteen years the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has doubled, and the Center For Disease Control predicts the incidence of diabetes will double again by the year 2050, which means a lot of Americans should start practicing Tai Chi's gentle movements and controlled breathing.

"Exercise helps people with diabetes by improving the control of blood glucose level, as well as minimizing the complications of diabetes," says physician and Tai Chi expert Dr Paul Lam, who was ahead of the curve, producing a Tai Chi for Diabetes DVD in 2002. "Stress is shown to make the control of diabetes worse and relaxation is especially beneficial. It is well established that tai chi reduces stress and improves relaxation."

The CDC estimates that nearly one third of the 20 million-plus Americans with diabetes do not know they have it. Find out if you're one of the 6.2 millions American that has yet to be diagnosed by clicking HERE to take the American Diabetes Association's Risk Test.

And since Tai Chi has been found to be beneficial for numerous other conditions, including ADHD, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, even if you’re not at risk from diabetes, you may want to consider giving Tai Chi a try. Unlike most martial arts, it’s primarily a non-contact discipline and is suitable for people of all ages.

| 04/02/08 | Practices