VIRGINIA BEACH -- Even diabetics who suffer from nerve damage and have trouble balancing should exercise and get fit.

Exercise can be tough when you're off balance, and yet, exercise is one of the 50 secrets to living a long life as a diabetic, according to a recent book co-written by ODU Professor Sheri Colberg, Ph.D.

She recommends Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese exercise that can be soothing, quiet and meditative. Bending Tree Tai Chi offers a class that is designed just for diabetics.

“We concentrate really on the extremities and on circulation in the arms and legs,” said Phil Szpiech.

Tai Chi helped Deborah Tillett reduce the amount of medication she takes to control blood sugar levels.

“I was on as many as four pills before I started Tai Chi, and now I’m on two,” she said, adding that it also helped improve her balance due to nerve damage in her feet.

“Tai Chi is a great exercise to practice balancing,” said Colberg, co-author of 50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes .

Tai Chi also stretched the mind; concentrating, thinking and meditating.

“Tai Chi and the changes that had brought has helped me have a better outlook,” said Tillett.

“We don’t eve think about how big of an effect stress can have on blood glucose,” said Colberg. “Blood sugars can just skyrocket if you get really stressed out. There’s also that mental aspect of doing an activity like Tai Chi.”

Three Secrets by Sheri Colberg-Ochs, Ph.D., co-author 50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes:

1. Vary your glucose testing.
Rationale: Testing at alternate times of day, before vs. after meals or exercise, will let you know how your body responds to different things and which help most with diabetes control.)

2. Carry a toothbrush.
Rationale: You'll be less likely to keep eating or snacking after you brush, which will help with blood sugar and weight control)

3. Live first and be diabetic second.
Rationale: Diabetes is a chronic disease and it's important to find a balance in life so that diabetes doesn't overwhelm you and keep you from enjoying living.