How can acupuncture help in the treatment of diabetes

Condition analysis:
Chinese medical texts have recognized Diabetes as 'wasting-thirsting' for thousands of years, relating it to the consumption of too much rich food. Acupuncture therapy is a common approach to treating diabetes in modern China. However, research is scarce and randomized controlled trials almost non-existent. Most clinical studies have focused on peripheral neuropathy, where there is preliminary evidence for an effect. It may help to treat obesity, which is the primary risk factor for developing type-2 diabetes, and also depression.

Studies on physiological mechanisms, both with humans and laboratory animals, indicate that acupuncture may:
-- Regulate insulin production and blood sugar levels.

-- Improve the blood lipid profile (dyslipidaemia is common in patients with type-2 diabetes and may lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality).

-- Improve blood circulation, thus helping to slow the onset and progression of diabetic circulatory complications

-- Moderate the stress response

Most people use acupuncture as part of an integrated diabetes treatment plan because they are already using Western medication. Acupuncture can be safely and effectively combined with Western biomedicine and other treatments such as relaxation exercises and herbal medicine. In addition to offering acupuncture and related therapies, acupuncturists will often make suggestions as to dietary and other lifestyle changes that may be beneficial. Eating a healthy balanced diet, taking regular physical exercise, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy body weight can help to prevent or delay the onset of type-2 diabetes and slow the progression of the disease. Working with a supportive therapist can help people commit to these positive lifestyle changes.

Instructions:
Herbs for Diabetes
1. Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus): A decoction of the leaves of the blueberry has a long history of folk use in the treatment of diabetes. The compound myrtillin (an anthocyanoside) is apparently the most active ingredient. Upon injection it is somewhat weaker than insulin, but is less toxic, even at 50 times the 1 g per day therapeutic dose. A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.

Blueberry anthocyanosides also increase capillary integrity, inhibit free-radical damage and improve the tone of the vascular system. In Europe, it is used as an anti-haemorrhagic agent in the treatment of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy.

2. Asian Ginseng: Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect.