Diabetes

Diabetes in sick care occurs when blood glucose is higher than the normal level (H1c <5.7) (fasting: 7mmol/L, pp/random: 11.1, hba1c: >6.5). Symptoms include increased thirst, urination, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision and numbness. There are different types of diabetes according to sick care: Type 1: no or not enough insulin. Type 2: when the body is not using insulin properly. Gestational: develops during pregnancy (when this occurs, they will recommend a test every 6 months, which puts stress on the body, which leads to excess blood glucose in the blood). Monogenic: “inherited” (no such thing and if questioned they will not be able to give you an answer how it was inherited). Pre-diabetes: when the blood sugar is 5.7-6.4. TICM states that diabetes starts from a weakened digestive system and excessive heat, followed by deficiencies in different organs ending up with the same blood glucose problems. Stress is a major underlying cause in diabetes and is the actual root cause that sick care does not look into. Stress in all ages leads to adrenal glands pumping out excess cortisol in the blood stream which then activates the Pancreas to release excess insulin into the bloodstream leading to a false diagnosis of diabetes. The other cause is of course a poor digestion. In TICM, we treat the weakened organs by focusing on food and nutrition, herbs, and emotions. Qigong, Salaah, which has been a proven beneficial modality for the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Smoking and physical inactivity are two major lifestyle roles that play a role in developing diabetes. Diet is also the focus, those with diabetes show a different microbiome environment than those without. Vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins such as fish, eggs, lean meats are recommended. Herb wise, there is a formula to specifically target the deficiencies and imbalances that lead to diabetes. Please speak to your TCM doctor about this. Oolong tea can reduce blood sugar. Emotions play an important role as well, stress affects hormone levels and autoimmune function which plays a role in blood sugar control. Anger and anxiety are triggers for this. Qigong and Salaah can help with emotional balance.