Can Tai chi help in managing diabetes?

Roberts says tai chi is a great recommendation for patients who don’t like to exercise. “The style and movements of tai chi are very slow—circular and fluid is a good way to think of them,” she says. “That makes it easier for people who have trouble moving quickly. It doesn’t require sweating and the huffing and puffing that are associated with other exercises. And people really like the idea of it being low impact. It’s easy on the joints and muscles.” Diane S. Graves, MPH, RD, LD, CLT, owner of No Nonsense Nutrition in Austin, Tex., says that’s one of the primary reasons she recommends tai chi to her patients. “Many people who come to see me don’t like to exercise and don’t really move very much,” she says. “But tai chi is low impact. It emphasizes natural movement and helps people learn how to use their bodies efficiently, effectively, and safely.”