Diabetes is a health problem that causes the pancreas to function improperly in one of two ways: either it doesn’t create enough insulin (or any at all) or it doesn’t react correctly to insulin production. Insulin allows the body to absorb the glucose found in food and turn it into energy. Without proper insulin, blood sugar levels become high and can cause dangerous medical issues and long-term health problems.
Health Problems Related to Diabetes
Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States and about 10% of our population has some form of diabetes that decreases a person’s lifespan by ten to twenty years. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body makes no insulin at all, while Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t react properly to insulin. Both types can lead to many health problems. The resulting health issues that are most commonly caused by diabetes include kidney, eye, nerve, and feet problems, as well as skin problems, digestive issues, teeth and gum deterioration, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Living with diabetes for a long amount of time may lead to polyneuropathy, or diabetic nerve damage. There is no guaranteed cure for diabetes, but the most common treatment option is insulin injections, which can help control diabetes. Changing your diet, exercising, and losing weight can also aid in managing diabetes. You may also consider chiropractic care for managing or preventing diabetes.
Chiropractic and Diabetes
Franklin chiropractors focus on improving overall health by removing nerve interferences between the spine and brain. Spinal subluxations, or misalignments, can cause this nerve interference. The nerves that run through the pancreas are along the T7, the seventh thoracic vertebra, and subluxations in this area can affect pancreatic function. An adjustment along the thoracic vertebrae will remove the interference and allow for proper nerve function, allowing the brain to communicate properly with the pancreas and allowing the pancreas to function properly.
While medication may be necessary for controlling diabetes for a time, chiropractic care is a great way to manage diabetes and eradicate the primary cause of the diabetes. Additionally, regular chiropractic care has allowed some individuals to stop taking diabetes medication and insulin injections altogether. Improved immune systems, improved sleep habits, and an increased mood due to less stress are other added benefits of chiropractic care.
Research Studies Supporting Chiropractic Care for Diabetes
Many studies have proven that spinal adjustments can be an effective way to manage diabetes. One case study of a 46-year-old female with Type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes showed improvement after consistent chiropractic care. She also improved her posture which decreased neck and shoulder pain.
Chiropractic care for Polyneuropathy in those with diabetes has also shown to be successful. Another case study of an 80-year-old diabetic man with lower back pain and shooting pains (polyneuropathy) through his legs and feet showed significant improvement after seeing a chiropractor. He visited a chiropractor 18 times over 4 months and the symptoms of his nerve pain improved drastically.
If you or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of diabetes, contact Franklin chiropractor Dr. Devan Arman at Unity Chiropractic for more information about how chiropractic adjustments can help.
Sources
Murphy, D.R. “Diagnosis and Manipulative Treatment in Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Its Relation to Intertarsal Joint Dysfunction.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies, 1994 Jan; 17(1): 29-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8138730.
Valli, J. “Chiropractic Management of a 46-Year-Old Type 1 Diabetic Patient with Upper Crossed Syndrome and Adhesive Capsulitis.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2004 Fall; 3(4): 138-144. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647023/.