According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Many live with the condition without even knowing that they possess it, which contributes to more deaths each year than both breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined. With a disease so complex, it is a good idea to have effective approaches to prevention and treatment.
There are more types of diabetes than you would think. Gestational happens when a woman is pregnant. Type 1 happens to both children and adults due to an auto-immune disease that destroys cells in the pancreas. The most common form, Type 2, is when the pancreas is producing insulin but the body cells are no longer sensitive to it, so glucose levels in their blood remain high.
Naturopathic physicians treat the whole body instead of just symptoms, which is a huge asset to diabetic patients. Not only do they take the time needed to actually connect with the patient, but they also educate the patient and help them to take a greater control over their own health as well. The naturopathic physician will do a thorough physical exam, including basic tests as well as those specifically associated with diabetes, such as checking the feet for nerve damage. Conventional doctors will do the usual standard lab tests, check for cholesterol, liver and kidney function, anemia, and monitor blood sugar.
Quite a few people think that regulating glycated hemoglobin levels are all that is needed to treat diabetes, but really there is more to it than that. It is essential for diabetic patients to welcome many changes into their lives, and naturopathic physicians are perfect for teaching and supporting them in this process. A change in diet is almost always a must. Patients are also encouraged to get an hour of exercise five days a week, and learn stress regulation methods to help their glucose control.
Overall, the naturopathic approach to diabetes is effective, safe, and respectful. Patients have the potential to lose weight, gain more energy, and reduce their glucose numbers, lipid values, and blood pressure. Sometimes damaged nerves and kidneys even recover to full functioning. Naturopathic treatment of diabetes can be incredibly effective, especially for long term care.
In Balanced Health,
