Tai chi is a traditional mind-body Chinese martial art that consists of intricate sequences performed in a slow and relaxing manner. It is now practiced all over the world for its defensive training and health benefits. Evidence also suggests that tai chi can be used to control symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes.
Definition
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized either by insulin resistance or a deficiency in the production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone synthesized by the pancreas that causes cells to take up excess blood sugar. When the sugar, known as glucose, builds up in the blood, two problems can occur: Either your cells may be starved for energy, or the glucose may damage tissue in the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. Diet and genetics are the primary causes of type 2 diabetes.
Recommendations
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people with diabetes should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Optimally, they should perform a wide variety of exercises as part of their routine. For some people who have difficulty exercising, however, tai chi might be the extent of the workout. They should start slow and work up toward a target that is based on their own fitness level or needs. Any amount of exercise will help control type 2 diabetes.
Significance
Performing tai chi will allow diabetes patients to relax and, along with proper diet and workouts, lose weight. Both are important in controlling diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, exercise, depending on intensity and duration, also forces the body to use stored glucose independent of insulin. Tai chi, therefore, can act like a natural regulator without the immediate need for an insulin injection. However, exercise alone cannot replace insulin injections, and people with diabetes also have to guard against the possibility that blood sugar levels could fall too low. Blood glucose should be checked about 45 minutes after hard exercise.
Study
According to a 2008 study published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine," a 12-week tai chi program in patients with type 2 diabetes caused levels of glycated hemoglobin--a molecule that combines excess blood glucose with red blood cells--to fall from 7.59 percent to 7.16 percent. This is considered to be a significant amount. Patients also lost an average of 3 kg of weight and improved the efficacy of their immune systems.
Considerations
Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by damage to the nerves. It is caused by injury to the small blood vessels that supply the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy can be manifested throughout the body, including the peripheral system around the arms and legs and the autonomic area that includes the heart, digestive system, eyes and other major organs. Patients with this condition may experience a loss of mobility and balance. Tai chi can help mollify these symptoms by improving motor and muscle control in areas that are affected by diabetic neuropathy.
