Diabetes has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for a long time.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 463 million people worldwide had diabetes in 2019, and an estimated 374 million people may develop type 2 diabetes by 2030. This chronic disease is a prevalent health problem that enervates the human body’s vital organs if left untreated. The good news, however, is that acupuncture may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine technique, involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and restore the body’s natural healing processes.

Acupuncture earned recognition from the World Health Organization in 1979 as a safe and effective treatment for various health conditions.

The Study

A new study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies suggests that acupuncture may be effective in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes.

The researchers observed 3,765 people who had received acupuncture at least once a year for five years. The study mainly focused on two areas, the Spleen and Stomach acupuncture points, which are associated with digestion, increased insulin sensitivity, and blood glucose regulation.

According to the results of the study, only 27 (0.72%) of the 3,765 participants developed type 2 diabetes after receiving regular acupuncture treatments for five years.

In contrast, diabetes prevalence in China is 9.7%, and the global prevalence is 8.5%. The study’s results indicate acupuncture may be an effective, low-cost, and relatively safe preventative measure for type 2 diabetes.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The study results suggest that acupuncture may help prevent type 2 diabetes by regulating insulin secretion, enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, and improving lipid metabolism.

Acupuncture may also promote the healthy functioning of the pancreas that produces insulin. By enhancing insulin sensitivity, acupuncture can reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose utilization.

The researchers noted that acupuncture was effective for all types of patients, regardless of age and sex.

Nonetheless, they recommended that patients at high risk of developing the disease consider acupuncture as a preventative measure and continue regular acupuncture treatments for at least five years.

Acupuncture versus Conventional Treatments

The study’s authors noted that acupuncture is an alternative therapy with relatively few risks compared to medication and surgery on the conventional Western medical side.

Conventional treatments often entail side effects like weight gain, nausea, indigestion, low blood sugar and liver dysfunction. With acupuncture, however, there are no such side effects, and patients may experience additional benefits like the following:.

Reduction in stress and anxiety
Enhanced immune system
Better sleep
Improved energy levels

Conclusion

Overall, the study’s findings support the notion that acupuncture may help prevent type 2 diabetes. However, more research is necessary to determine the potential benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of diabetes.

In any case, acupuncture is a low-risk treatment option that has been widely recognized and accepted by the medical community. If you’re at high risk for type 2 diabetes, give acupuncture a try, and you might just avoid or delay the onset of this severe chronic disease.