November is American Diabetes Month

By Tracy Kozak, Acupuncture Physician
@ Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center
Jacksonville, FL

Did you know that November is American Diabetes Month? The Nei Jing, a classic Chinese medical book written about 2,500 years ago, discusses in detail a patient with “Xiao Ke” or “Wasting and Thirsting Disease” (the Chinese medical term for diabetes). The patient is described as having symptoms of excessive hunger and thirst, frequent urination and rapid weight loss, which are all symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone necessary to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. Many complications can arise due to diabetes, including:

• — Kidney Disease
• — Peripheral Neuropathy
• — Depression
• — Hypertension
• — Periodontal Disease
• — Pregnancy Complications
• — Heart Disease
• — Nervous System Disease
• — Poor Wound Healing
• — Eye problems
• — Fatigue
• — Amputation

Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the U.S. today – nearly 10 percent of the population. Another 86 million Americans are pre-diabetic and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. African Americans and Hispanics are statistically twice as likely to be impacted.

At the Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center in Jacksonville, FL, we understand the physical risk and toll diabetes can pose for our patients. Diabetes nearly doubles the risk for heart attack and death from heart disease, is the leading cause of kidney failure and the leading cause of new cases of blindness among working-age adults. The American Diabetes Association confirms that the average medical expenditure among people with diabetes is more than two times higher than those without the disease.

We assess each of our patients who experience diabetes or a blood sugar imbalance individually to determine which acupuncture points are most beneficial for their specific case. These acupuncture points are used to strengthen the bodily systems to support the pancreas and regulate blood sugar levels. Other holistic supportive measures such as supplements, herbal medications, dietary suggestions and energetic exercise may also be prescribed on an individual basis.

Worsley 5 Element Acupuncture is a wonderful system of medicine, with the means to help you restore your body’s normal healthy blood sugar function. To learn more about how acupuncture can help with your specific needs, call us to schedule an appointment at (904) 296-9545.

This year’s theme for American Diabetes Month® is “Eat Well, America!sm”. To learn more about the American Diabetes Association’s activities for this 75th anniversary theme, you can download their fact sheet HERE. For helpful information and tips, visit Diabetes Forecast.

*Facts and figures provided by the American Diabetes Association