Can Tai chi help in managing diabetes?

In addition to its potential effect on blood glucose levels, tai chi is associated with other benefits. Graves says she began taking tai chi classes in 2001 after dealing with some health issues. Today, she’s involved in multiple classes and regularly encourages her clients to consider the exercise. “It is invigorating and relaxing at the same time, as well as socially, intellectually, and physically challenging,” she says. “It helps my focus and concentration and leaves me feeling better and more energetic afterwards.” Tai chi’s ability to reduce stress is well documented, says Roberts. “One reason is that after learning the slow movements of the form, people become so familiar with them that they can do the movements without thinking,” she says. “That helps clear the mind; it almost becomes meditative. The other reason it can reduce stress is because tai chi teaches people to listen to their bodies. It’s not only paying attention to how the body is moving but what parts of it are tense.”