Two small separate studies found a 12-week programme if tai chi exercixes help diabetics control sugar levels, reports the BBC.
The first study, by a Taiwanese team, included 30 people with diabetes who took part in a weekly 3 hour- sessions of tai chi. The study found that blood sugar levels dropped "significantly" and the level of cells and chemical involved in the body’s immune response have increased significantly in the diabetics.
The second study by the University of Queensland, based on just 11 participants, produced similar results. Critics argued that any form of exercise would improve individuals' health, fitness and energy levels and that the clinical significance of the findings is unclear.
Source: "Regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise improves T cell helper function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an increase in T-bet transcription factor and IL-12 production" British J Sports Medicine; 2008: Online First
No comments:
Post a Comment