Acupuncture and Diabetes

Approximately 537 million people world wide ages 20-79 are living with diabetes with 37.4 million of those being in the United States. That is 1 in 10 people. Think of those in your circle, how many have diabetes?

Like many other health concerns, diabetes Type 2 can be managed through our lifestyle. Type 2 Diabetes can be brought on by decreased activity, poor quality diet, decreased sleep, high stress, alcohol consumption and tobacco use.

Making the transition to a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with small goals, making a change 1-2 times per week. Eventually you will feel great and make your changes a normal part of your week.

A healthy diet would consist of:

-50% high fiber vegetables such as cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, green beans, cauliflower, carrots or brussel sprouts
-25% good carbohydrates such as apples, blueberries, legumes/beans or quinoa.
-25% protein such as chicken, fish and eggs

Move:

-Go for a small walk around or in your home, just a lap or two will do. You’ll be wanting to walk around your block in no time
-Join a gym, your local YMCA, Silver Sneakers or Renew Active
-Find exercise videos on YouTube that fit your level of fitness
-Sitting in your chair you can do these movements for 30 seconds each or do them during a whole commercial time during your favorite show

Reduce your stress level:

-Take time for yourself
-Sit in nature for at least 15 min, enjoy your surroundings
-Ask for help if feeling overwhelmed by your task list
-Laugh more- be with those who make you laugh or watch your favorite funny sitcom

Improve sleep:

-Set a specific nightly bedtime routine
-Remove electronics, smart phone and TV from the bedroom
-Create a dark, cool and quiet environment for sleeping
-Avoiding heavy meals, sweets and alcohol 2 hours before bedtime

You may ask if acupuncture can help with diabetes- YES WE CAN!

Studies have shown acupuncture to:

-Decrease blood glucose
-Protect pancreatic functions
-Increase insulin levels
-Increase glucose tolerance
-Provides better glucose lowering effects for Metformin when combined with acupuncture

Diabetic Neuropathy can be a side effect of diabetes that affects 30%-50% of diabetics. Consistent elevated blood glucose can damage the nerves throughout the body with the hands, feet and legs being most common. Symptoms may include burning or aching pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, sensitivity to touch and difficulty with balance.

At Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, Dr. Gibbons has an 80% success rate with diabetic neuropathy. Dr. Gibbons and her team at AAIM have successfully treated patients diagnosed with diabetes, helping to regulate their blood glucose and help relieve other symptoms related to diabetes.