Tai chi can help in diabetes management, says study of studies

Tai chi involves mild physical exercise along with a relaxation regime at a self-set pace. It is a low-impact practise that does not strain people’s muscles and joints. 

Diabetes: Benefits of tai chi

There are five types of tai chi that are practised and they help in diabetes control, explained Ramesh Sensai, who teaches the technique in Bengaluru.

Though tai chi is safe for everyone to practise, people with joint pain, hernia, and fractures should be careful. 

Tai chi helps in reduction of stress, which can worsen diabetes, a sensei told South First (Wikimedia Commons)

Each type of tai chi focuses on different objectives. While a few help in maintaining health, there are others that help in improving the body’s flexibility.

Tai chi chen, tai chi yang, tai chi hao, tai chi wu, and tai chi sun are the five types of tai chi. 

How does tai chi help us?

Ramesh Sensei told South First that the reduction in stress due to the technique helps in lowering sugar levels. Tai chi even raises insulin sensitivity, which can help the body manage diabetes. He added that the burning of calories per hour is more helpful in effective weight management.

“Blood circulation is improved, which is important for diabetics who are at the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy in the feet,” Ramesh explained. “Even cardiovascular issues are solved while doing tai chi,” he claimed. 

The ICMR recently released guidelines for type-1 diabetes patients. It noted that the progressive lowering of the age at which type 2 diabetes occurs is “a matter of grave concern“.

Doctor’s take

Dr Dwarkanath CS, endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, said any form of exercise helps people with diabetes. This improves the control of blood glucose levels, he added.

Several studies have shown that exercises help in minimising complications that come with diabetes.

Tai chi is a gentle exercise that is mainly done for mental relaxation. It improves cellular uptake and glucose metabolism.

Stress is one thing that worsens diabetes. And tai chi helps in reducing stress.

Dr Subrata Das, a senior consultant of internal medicine and diabetology at the Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, said, “Any type of martial art, yoga, or exercise is beneficial for managing Type-2 diabetes. While practising such physical exercises, the muscles are in action, and they use up glucose.”

He added: “Such activities help burn calories. This eventually helps in diabetes management, where the requirements of the drugs might come down, sugar levels can be managed better, and even insulin resistance is reduced.”