Acupuncture for
Diabetes
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Sweet Success: Acupuncture Helps Patients with Diabetes
Elias Lu, DTCM,
Acupuncture Physician
Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine in Tampa Bay, Florida
Diabetes
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious complications. While conventional treatments such as medication and weight loss are cornerstone approaches to care, complementary therapies like acupuncture are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential.
Yesterday and Today
Thousands of years ago, ancient practitioners of Chinese medicine pioneered what we now call acupuncture. Acupuncture in its strict sense involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to regulate energy pathways (Meridians) and thus treat the underlying pathologies. Today, acupuncture has developed into a separate medical specialty to include a variety of therapies including electrostimulation and injections.
Acupuncture in Diabetes
Acupuncture has been increasingly recognized as a powerful adjuvant in diabetes therapy. Recent studies suggest that acupuncture may correct various metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, autonomic dysregulation, and insulin signaling.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Blood Sugar. Acupuncture may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing glucose uptake by cells.
Weight Management. Acupuncture may aid in weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism, and promoting digestion.
Gut Flora. By modulating the gut microbiota composition, acupuncture may improve glycemic control.
Gastroparesis. Acupuncture improves gastric emptying to help patients with postprandial bloating and nausea.
Peripheral Neuropathy. Acupuncture has shown promising results in alleviating neuropathic symptoms (pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities) and improving nerve function.
Wound Healing. Acupuncture promotes peripheral blood circulation, which may help in healing diabetic ulcers.
Stress Reduction. Stress makes everything worse … including glycemic control. Acupuncture's calming and stress-relieving qualities can help reduce cortisol levels, relax the body-mind, and promote overall well-being.
Energy and Vitality. Diabetes-related fatigue can significantly impact daily life. Acupuncture can boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall vitality, allowing patients to better manage their diabetes and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Acupuncture in St. Pete
Throughout my career, I have successfully treated thousands of patients dealing with diabetes. I understand the disease and the challenges my patients face navigating the medical system. Please contact my office if you would like to include acupuncture in your therapeutic regimen.
References
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Firouzjaei, A., Li, G. C., Wang, N., Liu, W. X., & Zhu, B. M. (2016). Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic effect of metformin monotherapy with metformin and acupuncture combined therapy on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. Nutrition & diabetes, 6(5), e209. https://doi.org/10.1038/nutd.2016.16
Liu, M., Chen, J., Ren, Q., Zhu, W., Yan, D., Nie, H., Chen, X., & Zhou, X. (2019). Acupuncture and related techniques for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review protocol. Medicine, 98(2), e14059. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000014059
Martinez, B., & Peplow, P. V. (2016). Treatment of insulin resistance by acupuncture: a review of human and animal studies. Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, 34(4), 310–319. https://doi.org/10.1136/acupmed-2016-011074
Pan, H., Huang, H., Zhang, L., Ma, S., Yang, H., & Wang, H. (2019). "Adjusting internal organs and dredging channel" electroacupuncture treatment prevents the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by downregulating glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78) and caspase-12 in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Journal of diabetes, 11(12), 928–937. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-0407.12916
Zhu, L. B., Chan, W. C., Lo, K. C., Yum, T. P., & Li, L. (2014). Wrist-ankle acupuncture for the treatment of pain symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2014, 261709. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/261709
Dr. Elias Lu, DTCM is an acupuncture physician with Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine. In practice for over 25 years, he integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern functional therapies to help people with chronic pain, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, depression, and many other life's challenges.
Conditions
Neurological Disorders
Energy
Eyes, Ear, Nose, & Throat
Respiratory Conditions
Heart & Blood Vessels
Gut Health
Diabetes & Obesity
Urinary Problems
Women's Health
Men's Health
Cancer Support
Pre- & Post-Surgery
Stroke Rehabilitation
Chronic Inflammation
Brain Repatterning
Tools
Acuphoresis
Acupressure
Acupoint injection
Biopuncture
Compounded creams
Cupping
Dry needling
Electroacupuncture
IM injections
Low-dose naltrexone
Lymphatic detoxification
Microwave resonance
Neural therapy
Oxygen therapy
Pellet hormone therapy
PEMF acupuncture
Prolotherapy
Scalp acupuncture
Trigger point injection
Vagal nerve stimulation