The experts all agree; exercise can be an effective, self-regulating method for managing diabetes, especially type 2, the most common. Diabetes mellitus manifests as one of two types:Type 1 and Type 2. With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin (insulin deficiency) to manage blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes, in which blood sugar is constantly high, is the result of the body's resistance to insulin at the cellular level, which is produced in sufficient amounts.

In a study, published by the American Diabetes Association, "The Effect of Qi-Gong Relaxation Exercise on the Control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus" (Diabetes Care 25:241-242, 2002 American Diabetes Association, Inc.) , a significant finding of the study said: " Because obese patients benefited more and the significant decrease in C-peptide was demonstrated in this study, Qi-gong may improve insulin resistance. On the other hand, several studies described the effects of relaxation training for type 2 diabetes ..; thus, Qi-gong can improve glucose metabolism by the benefits of relaxation response. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Qi-gong relaxation exercise may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for individuals with type 2 diabetes." I think this finding is important for a number of reasons; it suggests factors which are inter-related, and cause a downward spiral in general health. The spiral may start with one or more of the conditions: type 1 or 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Any of these conditions can cause a sedentary lifestyle, in which recreational or emotional eating is a part, and can lead to any one or both of the other conditions. As activity decreases, the conditions will probably worsen, as the conditions worsen, life will become more stressful.

Type 1 diabetes, an immune deficiency disorder, cannot be prevented, but can be managed with medication, diet, and exercise. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand, is thought to be preventable and manageable. How? Your doctor can help you detect pre-diabetic conditions: ask. If the pre-diabetic conditions are detected, you doctor will recommend lifestyle changes.The changes recommended will be profoundly simple, but agonizingly difficult in the beginning: Diet and Exercise. In the previous paragraph, reference was made to benefits found by obese patients, it is well known that obesity is a set-up for heart problems and type 2 diabetes. Diet of course, will consider both types and amounts of food consumed.

Exercise improves the uptake of glucose, helps to control blood sugar levels. Exercise will help produce muscle cells to replace the fat stored in your body: muscle uses more sugar. "Exercise helps you lose weight or maintain your weight by burning calories...If you have Type 2 diabetes, exercise helps to increase the sensitivity of your body cells to insulin. With this increased sensitivity, your own insulin works better and your blood sugar levels get better. When exercise is done at least every other day it is more likely to have this effect. Exercising regularly and following a meal plan may get your blood sugars in the target range without medication." University of Iowa Healthcare Hospitals & Clinics, "Diabetes and Exercise", http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/diabetes/diabetesandexercise.html.

Start up of exercise after injury, illness or long periods of sedentary lifestyle should be monitored by your healthcare professional; too much too fast can result in much more harm than good. Over-stress can lead to failure of an exercise program (it hurts too much after, or is in fact "too hard") as can unrealistic expectations. One type of exercise is referenced above: Qi Gong. Re-read that paragraph, paragraph 2, and look at how exercise and relaxation assist with control of sugar. Think about the three conditions, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. What single factor is most common among persons who have had encounters with the three factors: stress. Stress is controllable. The anti-dote for stress is real relaxation (not laying around the pool eating a bag of bon-bons, surfing the 135 channel remote). What if you could get a dose of exercise and real relaxation therapy at the same time?

Re-read paragraph 2 again: Qi Gong ( pronounced: chee goong ) is exercise and relaxation. Qi Gong is a very good method of exercise start-up, and can be led up to higher degrees of intensity and duration without the need for expensive equipment, or a gym or track to "work out". Most people who practice some form of qi gong come to think of it more as play than work. Qi Gong is becoming more popular in its own right, but many people have gotten the benefits of improved health and sense of well being by practicing Tai Chi. Tai Chi, is a form of Qi Gong : there are literally thousands of Qi Gong forms and styles, but at the core they are essentially the same: slow gentle movements synchronized with deep, rhythmic breathing. Qi Gong routines run from very simple, basic and easy, to thoroughly complex, confusing and difficult, there is something for every personality. Qi Gong can be learned from books and video tapes, but the easiest way to learn is to have fun with a group, led by a competent instructor. You'll know during the first session if your instructor is competent, you'll just know.

Where can you learn Qi Gong, and join a group or class? Check your community center program listing, your senior center, if you live near a college or university campus, check their listings of "continuous learning" programs, and you might call to enquire about qi gong from a local martial art studio if they list Tai Chi. Some offerings are even available on-line as paid courses of learning, or free basic samplings.