An astonishing 98 million Americans (over 1 in 3 under 65 years old and half of those over 65) has prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is big warning sign and risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% being the preventable type 2. This problem is rapidly increasing, which is why it is so important to bring light to this subject. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are considered a diet and lifestyle problem, caused by inflammation due to excess sugar in the diet. Sugar feeds disease and is the major culprit in chronic inflammatory conditions.
The causes of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes:
too many sugars/carbs in the diet
poor food choices
lack of exercise
sedentary lifestyle
excess stress/high cortisol
Excess sugar in the blood destroys vascularity and creates problems with microcirculation, leading to conditions associated with impaired blood flow. Because every sugar molecule has to bond with two water molecules, excess sugar leads to swelling or edema. Kidney function becomes impaired in patients with diabetes, as the body works hard to excrete excess sugar through the urine. Additionally, when your stress hormone (cortisol) increases, glucose also rises.
Symptoms and conditions associated with type 2 diabetes include:
neuropathy (numbness/tingling) in hands and/or feet
poor circulation
erectile dysfunction
kidney dysfunction
swelling/edema
vision disorders
mood swings
fatigue
insomnia
frequent urination, especially at night
sugar crashes
difficulty losing weight
cardiovascular disease
Alzheimer's or vascular dementia
Ideally, healthy fasting glucose levels should range from 75 - 86 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1C levels should range from 4.9 - 5.3 (with some doctors considering below 6.0 as acceptable). Lab values which indicate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are listed below.
Prediabetes:
Glucose: 100-125 mg/dL
A1C: 5.7% - 6.4%
Type 2 diabetes:
Glucose: > 126 mg/dL
A1C: > 6.5%
Research studies prove that acupuncture can help lower blood sugar and A1C levels in patients with pre-diabetes as well as prevent type 2 diabetes. Acupuncture works by regulating cortisol levels to reduce the stress response that causes spikes in blood sugar. The hormonal reaction triggered by acupuncture also helps balance out areas of the body that aren't able to regulate sugar on their own. Acupuncture can help to stimulate the nerves that go to your pancreas, adrenals and kidneys to help your body regulate sugar levels. When we improve the communication of the nerves, the function of the pancreas improves, thus improving glucose management and sugar cravings. The best part is that acupuncture helps regulate blood sugar naturally and without harmful side-effects.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are completely reversible with diet and lifestyle changes. In addition to acupuncture, we help our patients improve blood sugar naturally by helping them to implement diet and lifestyle modifications. Herbal medicine and/or supplements can also be used as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals in the management of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Are you ready to get your blood sugar under control naturally? We can help! Schedule your free consultation today. 321-972-2940