TAI CHI MAY IMPROVE DIABETES

According to British Journal of Sports Medicine, Taichi may improve Diabetes, see below:

TAI CHI MAY IMPROVE DIABETES

Tai Chi may improve the control of type 2 diabetes, suggests a report slated for publication in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The research team assessed the impact of a 12 week program of Tai Chi exercises on 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy people of the same age.

After the 12 week program, glycated haemoglobin (when excess blood sugar combines with the oxygen transporter in red blood cells) levels fell significantly in the diabetic patients. In addition, levels of interleukin-12, which boosts the immune response, doubled. Levels of interleukin-4, which suppresses the immune response, fell. T cell activity also significantly increased.

The study’s authors speculate that Tai Chi may prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, sparking a drop in the inflammatory response.

Alternatively, the exercise may boost fitness levels and the feeling of wellbeing, which may then boost the health of the immune system, they suggest.

British Journal of Sports Medicine – April 1, 2008 ;Epub.

bjsm.bmj.com