Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Dr. Mary Lambert, AP, DOM
Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively. Managing diabetes involves lifestyle changes, medications, and close monitoring of blood sugar levels. However, many individuals seek complementary treatments, such as Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), to improve their health and overall well-being. But how exactly does acupuncture help with diabetes, and what does the science say?
Diabetes and Its Challenges
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes present different challenges, but both result in elevated blood sugar levels that can cause long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, while Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and is often linked to obesity and lifestyle factors.
Standard treatments for diabetes include medications to regulate blood sugar, insulin injections, and dietary and lifestyle modifications. However, even with these treatments, many patients still experience symptoms such as fatigue, neuropathy, and poor circulation leading to ulceration and amputations. This has led to growing interest in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine as a complementary therapy to help manage diabetes and its symptoms.
How Does Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Help with Diabetes?
Acupuncture works through a variety of mechanisms that are beneficial for people with diabetes. However, Chinese Herbal Medicine is the standout for managing diabetes. Herbal formulas that include the herb Astragalus have shown significant clinical benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity and reducing A1C levels. Additional benefits from combining Acupuncture and CHM include enhancing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain from diabetic complications such as neuropathy. Here’s a closer look at some of the ways your Acupuncturist can support diabetes management:
1. Improving Insulin Sensitivity
Studies show that Acupuncture and CHM help to enhance the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is crucial for managing blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Research published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that Acupuncture and CHM improve insulin sensitivity in patients, allowing them to regulate blood glucose more effectively. This leads to reduced reliance on medications or insulin injections over time.
2. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to insulin resistance and the progression of diabetes. Acupuncture and CHM have shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the body. A 2018 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, reported that acupuncture lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce inflammation and support overall metabolic health.
3. Alleviating Neuropathy Pain
One of the most debilitating complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in the hands and feet. Studies have found Acupuncture to be effective in reducing pain and improving nerve function in people with diabetic neuropathy. A study in The Journal of Pain found that Acupuncture significantly reduced pain levels and improved the quality of life for patients with diabetic neuropathy, by increasing blood flow and promoting nerve regeneration.
4. Enhancing Circulation
Poor circulation is another common issue for people with diabetes, especially in the extremities. Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow, particularly in areas affected by poor circulation, such as the feet and hands. This helps prevent complications like ulcers and infections, which are more common in people with diabetes due to reduced circulation and slower wound healing.
Scientific Studies on Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and Diabetes
The growing interest in Acupuncture and CHM’s role in diabetes management has led to more scientific studies investigating its effectiveness. While acupuncture is not a cure for diabetes, the research shows that it is a complementary therapy to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
For example, a review of studies published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that acupuncture has potential in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with significant improvements in pain and nerve function. Another study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture treatments improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Another study published in 2018 in Molecules showed that the compounds found in Astragalus increased insulin sensitivity and increased glucose uptake.
Conclusion: A Holistic Tool for Diabetes Management
While Acupuncture and CHM should not replace conventional diabetes treatments, it offers a natural, non-invasive option to help manage symptoms like neuropathy, inflammation, and poor circulation. If you are considering acupuncture to support your diabetes management, it’s essential to consult with a licensed practitioner. At Lambert Wellness, Dr. Mary, a board-certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist, offers personalized care to help you explore the benefits of acupuncture for diabetes. She has clinical experience helping her patients manage their diabetes symptoms and lower their insulin use. She has helped her patients reduce their A1C by 30%. Schedule your consultation today to learn how her treatments can improve your health and well-being by calling 239-776-4055.
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