Diabetes affects over 24 million adults and children in the United States, and treatment options typically include a combination of medication, changes in eating habits, and regular exercise. Some people are more at risk for developing diabetes than others, and the risk increases significantly with age, poor lifestyle habits and an unhealthy diet.
Diabetes can affect cardiovascular health, and also contribute to various nerve diseases such as neuropathy. In addition to conventional treatment approaches, some medical professionals believe that the effects of diabetes can be reduced with chiropractic therapy.
How Chiropractic Therapy Can Help Diabetics
Chiropractic treatments are designed to fix subluxations in the spine that may be contributing to nervous system imbalances. Various types of adjustments are performed on major joints and muscles in the body, and along the spinal column; most provide immediate results.
In a situation where a person has diabetes, the nerve imbalances may be the chief contributor to the blood sugar imbalances and metabolic problems.
A case study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in December 2006 shows that blood and urine sugar levels were improved significantly after the patient received chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments may be an important part of a treatment plan for diabetics because the adjustments may improve the relationship between the nervous system, brain and organs, thereby stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar level imbalances can occur for a variety of reasons, including the types of food eaten, overall health, and metabolic efficiency. Problems with the metabolism may be linked to nervous system problems, stress and other factors, which is why chiropractic care may be the missing link for many people suffering from diabetes.
Other Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments
Many people who are diagnosed with diabetes are required to make significant lifestyle and dietary changes so that their condition improves naturally over time. These changes are designed to reduce excess stress on the body, improve the metabolism and restore healthy metabolic functioning. Adding chiropractic therapy to the treatment plan may help many diabetics achieve a state of better health and improve well-being.
In addition to restoring healthy blood sugar levels and functioning of the nervous system, chiropractic treatments may be an effective way to improve health overall. Countless studies have been published about the benefits of chiropractic treatment on the body and mind, and in the case of diabetes, simply reducing stress and improving health overall may help to reduce the effects of the condition.
Some of the key benefits of regular chiropractic treatments and adjustments include:
Improved posture
Better sleep
Improved blood circulation
Elimination or reduction of back and neck pain
Reduced risk of joint and muscle problems
Even though this type of treatment plan specifically for diabetics is still undergoing investigation, people who prefer an alternative approach to health and wellness may find this to be a valuable and effective treatment option.
Learn more about chiropractic treatment options for diabetics by consulting with a chiropractor in your area. He or she will be able to explain the treatment process, and determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment.
Published: 06/05/2009, Last Updated: 06/05/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.