Diabetes

Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.

The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.

Diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's ability to regulate sugar levels in the blood. It is also known as Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, or Diabetes. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it.

When food is digested and absorbed, glucose enters the bloodstream, which is a source of fuel for the body. The pancreas produces insulin, which helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and other cells, where it can be stored or used as fuel. However, people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels because their body cannot move sugar from the blood into muscle and fat cells to be burned or stored for energy, and/or their liver produces too much glucose and releases it into the blood.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is less common and can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. This is because the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin stop working. Type 1 diabetes requires daily injections of insulin, and the exact cause of this failure to make enough insulin is unknown.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes, on the other hand, is more common, occurring most often in adulthood, but now also being diagnosed in children and teens due to high obesity rates. Some people with Type 2 Diabetes do not know they have it. With Type 2 Diabetes, the body is resistant to insulin and doesn't use it as well as it should. Not all people with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese.

Gestational Diabetes 

Gestational Diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy in a woman who does not already have diabetes. Other causes of diabetes exist, and some people cannot be classified as either Type 1 or Type 2.

If a person's parent, brother, or sister has diabetes, they may be more likely to develop the disease. A high blood sugar level can cause several symptoms, such as blurry vision, excess thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, hunger, and weight loss. However, because Type 2 Diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar have no symptoms.

In contrast, the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes develop quickly over a short period, and people may be very sick by the time they are diagnosed. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to several serious complications, such as eye problems, sores and infections of the leg or foot, nerve damage, kidney problems, a weakened immune system, and an increased chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and/or medication. Treatment for diabetes aims to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage diabetes include:

In addition to lifestyle changes, medication may be needed to manage blood sugar levels. This can include:

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be used to manage diabetes. According to traditional Chinese medicine, diabetes is caused by an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture and acupressure can help restore balance and promote healing.

Research has shown that acupuncture may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Acupuncture may also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of complications, such as diabetic neuropathy.

Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, may also be beneficial for managing diabetes symptoms. Some studies have shown that acupressure can help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

It is important to note that while Oriental medicine may be a complementary therapy for managing diabetes, it should not replace traditional medical treatment. Anyone with diabetes should work with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and any complementary therapies.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. However, with lifestyle changes and/or medication, diabetes can be effectively managed.

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be used as a complementary therapy for managing diabetes symptoms. While research has shown some benefits of these therapies, they should not replace traditional medical treatment. Anyone with diabetes should work with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

References :