Vital Link | winter 2009

For Diabetes Care, Try Tai Chi

Tai chi may boost balance and strength. But little is known about its effect on immune function, especially in people with conditions like diabetes. In a small study, researchers looked at immune function in people with diabetes before and after taking a 12-week tai chi class. The class met three times a week for one hour. After the last class, cellular measures of immune function had improved significantly. What’s more, HbA1c levels had declined as well, indicating better diabetes control.