Can Tai chi help in managing diabetes?

Practicing tai chi can even help promote better eating habits, adds Gedney. “Tai chi helps you slow down and have a better understanding of your mind/body connection, giving you better control over both,” she explains. “That can actually help control mindless eating by helping you become more aware of it.” And tai chi may also be advantageous for other patients, not only those with diabetes. As a stress-reducing exercise, it can benefit any patient, including those with ailments such as arthritis, says Roberts. “Arthritis is characterized by pain and stiffness and often limits what that person can do,” she explains. “But what’s unique about tai chi is that the movements can be done without stressing the joints. When practicing over time, people can actually gain more flexibility in their joints and even become stronger.”