In the United States, one out of every three adults is at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.  The American Diabetes Association is declaring March 22, 2011, this year's Diabetes Alert Day.  It is a day to be aware of this epidemic and to take the "Diabetes Risk Test" to see if one is at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.  You can follow the link to take the test: 

http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/programs/alert-day/

In Chinese medicine, diabetes is referred to as Wasting-Thirsting disease.  There are several pattern differentiations to address the problem, but in general, it often involves damage to Yin (or fluids of the body).  This can result in excessive hunger, thirst and/or urination.  Additional complications can arise involving peripheral neuropathy of the feet and legs.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas are effective adjuncts to address symptoms associated with this disease. 

How acupuncture and Chinese medicine treats diabetes:

In treating diabetes, Oriental medicine offers a way to address each patient individually to eliminate the symptoms associated with diabetes and reduce the need for insulin.  The practitioner may choose to use a variety of techniques during treatment including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises. The treatment for diabetes will focus on regulating the circulation of blood and Qi and balancing the organ systems to improve pancreatic function and address internal heat and the depletion of fluids.
 

Acupuncture

The acupuncture points used to treat diabetes are all over the body and on several meridians. A point on the back, called 'Yishu' (located on the back, lateral to thoracic vertebrae 8) is often used and has proven effective in recent studies published by the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine for controlling the function of the pancreas and blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

 Chinese Herbal Medicine
 Herbal medicine is an important component to the treatment of diabetes.  Different formulas may be effective for different people, so practitioners may try several different approaches.  Commonly used Chinese herbal formulas are Liu Wei Di Huang, and Da Bu Yin Wan. Studies have shown that American ginseng can improve glucose tolerance and is often added to herbal formulas.  Other herbs are added to an herbal formula to treat complications of diabetes such as peripheral neuropathy and blurry vision.
 

Here is a great link for any information you may need about diabetes: http://www.diabetes.org/

-Karisa Grudi, L.Ac. (Towson)