Diabetes
Diabetes, as well as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity, are part of the "metabolic syndrome" and are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. I invite you to a special comprehensive and personalized treatment program, which will help you lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c, reduce reliance on medications and insulin and allow you to live a better, more balanced life.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to use the insulin that it produces. As insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar, high levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) accumulate, which over time increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, damage blood vessels in the feet, damage the eyes and lead to blindness and may also lead to kidney failure.
In the modern world, sugar consumption is several times higher than what our body is able to absorb, either because it is unable to produce sufficient insulin or that the cells develop resistance to insulin. In 2019, 9.3% of the world's population suffered from diabetes (463 million people) and 1 in 5 people aged 65 and over are diabetic (1). According to the World Health Organization, 43% of deaths before the age of 70 are related to high sugar levels. In Israel, there are 643,000 diabetics and a large number of people in a pre-diabetic state, just before disease-related complications appear.
Poor diet, obesity, stressful lifestyle, lack of physical activity, genetic predisposition and even certain medications are among the main causes for the development of diabetes. A recently published study showed that long-term use of statins, the main drugs used to lower cholesterol, doubles the chance of developing diabetes or worsening existing condition (2).
There are 3 types of diabetes (1) Type I (insulin-dependent, juvenile diabetes) - characterized by poor insulin production by beta cells in the pancreas and requires frequent injection of insulin; (2) Type II - (non-insulin dependent), representing about 90% of Diabetes cases in the world and is due to inefficient use of insulin by the body and, to a large extent, a result of overweight and inactivity; and (3) Gestational diabetes - hyperglycemia with blood glucose levels above normal but below those of diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.
In most people, diabetes will be detected by random blood work. When blood sugar levels are very high, signs such as excessive urination, excessive thirst, dry mouth, significant fatigue, hunger, a feeling of numbness or tingling in the limbs may appear.
How is Diabetes treated?
The main treatment is preventative, focusing on lifestyle changes that include proper nutrition and exercise. In many cases, drug treatment is required, and there are several types, main ones being those that increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin, increase the secretion of insulin or slow down the process of releasing glucose into the blood. The main concern is that drugs mask the root of the problem and many patients continue to engage in sinful behavior while relying on drug treatment to "quick fix” the problem. Medications also have long-term side effects such as obesity, bone weakness (3), and increased risk of heart disease.
How does Chinese medicine treat the disease or prevent its development?
Chinese medicine has existed for thousands of years, and diabetes has been described in ancient writings as a disease of "wasting and thirsting" due to the main symptoms of thirst, hunger and excessive urination (fluid loss). The main organs affected by the state of thirst and hunger are the digestive system (spleen, stomach) and, kidney, which is responsible for fluids retention and preserving the body’s vitality. The damage to these two systems results in weight loss, fluid loss and great fatigue.
Chinese medicine treatment is comprehensive and includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs (some lower sugar levels directly), personalized nutritional guidance and lifestyle changes. All have been scientifically proven to be effective, in combination with drug therapy, in lowering sugar and HbA1c levels, reducing drug and insulin dosage, and managing a more normal life (4).
A review article that included 21 studies and 1,943 patients found that acupuncture plus medication, as compared to medication alone, improves sugar levels, HbA1C, as well as cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity (5). Another article reviewed the importance of putting special emphasis on weight loss along the reduction of sugar levels, showing that every kilogram of weight loss reduces the chance of developing Diabetes by 16% (6). Because diabetes is a chronic disease, its treatment requires personal support and guidance of patients throughout. Indeed, a study showed that a patient support program increases the ability to persevere, and a firm majority of the patients asked to remain in a support program even after the study finished (7).
How can I help you?
Our program, "Beat high cholesterol, sugar and blood pressure in just 6 weeks" consists of 4 tailor-made steps accompanied by personal guidance that will ensure success for the long term:
● Personal diagnosis according to Chinese medicine, which complements the treatment the patient receives from their health insurance organization (Kupat Holim)
● Acupuncture treatments, herbal formula and tea infusions that have been scientifically proven to reduce sugar levels
● Personalized nutritional guidelines, according to the patient's lifestyle
● A gift starter infusion pack, a monthly group meeting, a recipe booklet and additional video clips, tips and research
A diabetic person faces many challenges, I am here for you...
Research bibliography:
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9th edition of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2019
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Mansi et al. (2015) Gen Intern Med. 30 (11): 1599-610. doi: 10.1007 / s11606-015-3335-1
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Gilber MP et al. (2015) Endocr Rev. 36 (2): 194-213. doi: 10.1210 / er.2012-1042
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Necyk C. et al. (2017) Can J Diabetes doi: 10.1016 / j.jcjd.2017.06.014
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Chen C et al. (2019) Complement Ther Clinical Practice 36: 100–112 doi: 10.1016 / j.ctcp.2019.04.004
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Hamman RF et al. (2006) Diabetes Care 29 (9): 2102-7 doi: 10.2337 / dc06-0560
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Franklin VL et al. (2006) Diabetes Med 23 (12): 1332-8. doi: 10.1111 / j.1464-5491.2006.01989.x
