I'm a Type II diabetic and I have been a student of Tai Chi Chuan for about 3 years. I've got the "short-form" Yang style (24 movements) and am learning the next "medium-form" Yang style (48 movements). I find that Tai Chi greatly improved not only my balance, but my blood pressure, mood, etc., and has had a positive effect on my blood glucose. I look forward to Sundays when I get to spend 1.5 hours learning, practicing and interacting with my fellow students. The resultant calm glow lasts for a couple of days. Thanks for including the scientific articles that backup what we've known for a while now.
For those who don't have tai chi classes nearby, about 6 or 7 years ago when I was lifting weights regularly, including leg weights, I found the leg weights greatly improved my balance. When I started, I had trouble putting my socks on without sitting down. After several months, no problem.
Unfortunately, you have to keep it up. When I stopped, I was using 20 pounds on the legs. Now, trying to get back to it, I'm using only 9.
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Your discussion of Tai Chi for balance issues struck home for me. I have had problems hitting the pant let hole in the right spot for some time. I have been looking for a practice that would actually help balance. I am a walker and am always careful to watch where I step. I have discontinued the use of a walking stick because I was informed that it made you dependent and didn't increase your ability to balance. What is your thought on that too. I will visit the Tai Chi center in town to begin a new program. Thank you.
Dear John,
I am glad that I have inspired you to start Tai Chi! I know that you will enjoy and benefit from it as I have.
Good question about growing dependent on trekking poles. Different people who I respect have told me different things. But I am still leaning toward using them on tough terrain -- steep or rocky or stream crossings -- and snowshowing. I wrote about this issue here almost two years ago at Walking with Poles at http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/78554/walking-poles