Alternative Approaches to Living with Diabetes

According to the International Diabetes Foundation, there are currently over 42 million diagnosed cases of diabetes in North America alone. Of these, Type 2 Diabetes accounts for over 90% of them. So odds are if you aren’t dealing with diabetes yourself, you most likely know of someone who is. And the sad truth is this: in most cases, diabetes is entirely preventable.

The research is clear that Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is the outcome of an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, or poorly managed stress. On a more scientific level, T2D is often preceded by insulin resistance, which means that glucose in the bloodstream has difficulty supplying your cells with fuel for energy production. In essence, the cells are starving from an insufficient supply of glucose, even though there is an abundance of it circulating in the bloodstream.  

Left untreated, diabetes will undoubtedly have a negative impact on your health and can lead to other complications such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. Treatment options within the conventional medical model include oral medications that help manage symptoms, but unfortunately, do nothing to address the underlying cause. However, there are a number of other solutions that can be incredibly helpful for managing and even correcting this condition.

The benefits of complementary and alternative therapies are significant. Yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture are just a few options to consider, all of them showing promising evidence for supporting blood sugar dysregulation. Even the breathwork associated with yoga can improve circulation, mind-body awareness and can also help stabilize blood sugar.

Another incredible therapy to consider is acupuncture. Practitioners in China commonly use acupuncture and blood-balancing herbal support to treat diabetes. Research has shown that the actual number of cell receptors for glucose is increased with acupuncture, leading to improved energy. Plus, acupuncture can help reduce obesity and aid in weight reduction.

But one of the most effective herbs for managing blood glucose and insulin regulation, and one of our absolute favorites, is Gymnema. Known to improve the sensitivity of insulin receptors, Gymnema can help shuttle more of that precious glucose out of the bloodstream and into your cells, providing much-needed fuel for your energy-depleted body.

If you or someone you love is dealing with the unpleasant side-effects of diabetes, please feel free to share this article with them. It could save their life.

 

Judy Gentner