The purpose of this article is to give a basic overview of diabetes mellitus from both a western scientific and acupuncture perspective. We will address the basic pathophysiology that results in diabetes signs and symptoms, as well as relate this pathology to a classical acupuncture framework and subsequently highlight the role acupuncture can play.
So, what is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus ‘honey urine’ is a metabolic disorder that basically disrupts the body’s ability to utilise glucose to produce energy. How this disruption occurs is either through an autoimmune component that leads to the destruction of the insulin secreting beta cells of the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas as in type 1 diabetes, or via cellular insulin resistance occurring generally due to poor lifestyle choices and a subsequent increase in circulating fatty acids, as in type 2 diabetes.
Let's take a look at type 1 and type 2 diabetes more closely to really get a feel for what is occurring and what are the mechanisms at play.
So, what is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus ‘honey urine’ is a metabolic disorder that basically disrupts the body’s ability to utilise glucose to produce energy. How this disruption occurs is either through an autoimmune component that leads to the destruction of the insulin secreting beta cells of the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas as in type 1 diabetes, or via cellular insulin resistance occurring generally due to poor lifestyle choices and a subsequent increase in circulating fatty acids, as in type 2 diabetes.
Let's take a look at type 1 and type 2 diabetes more closely to really get a feel for what is occurring and what are the mechanisms at play.
Type 1 Diabetes
Essentially what occurs in type 1 diabetes is that the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Thus the body is not able to produce insulin. How this occurs is debatable, however there is research that shows a link to molecular mimicry whereby a virus that carries a similar protein receptor to that of the beta cells of the pancreas enters the body and initiates an immune response, this results in the destruction of the virus but also an autoimmune reaction and subsequent destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. Thus type 1 diabetes is defined as loss of insulin production.
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas are fine and the endocrine role of the pancreas in secreting insulin is operating as it should be. The issue is with the target cells receptivity to insulin. The current theory as to why the target cell is not receptive to insulin and thus failing to initiate the appropriate cascade resulting in the cellular uptake of glucose is due to high levels of circulating fatty acids. These high fatty acid levels initiate a chemical response that inhibits the ability for insulin to ‘allow the passage’ of glucose into the target cell. If you imagine insulin as the ‘key’ that opens the target cell ‘door’ so glucose can enter and be converted into a useable form of energy (ATP). Thus type 2 diabetes can be defined as insulin resistance.
It is important to note that type 2 diabetes can shift to type 1 diabetes. If you imagine that in type 2 diabetes the pancreas is producing plenty of insulin in response to rising blood glucose levels (i.e. fed state). However as the cells of the body are not responding to the circulating insulin, the circulating glucose cannot gain entry into its target cell (i.e. muscle cell). Thus blood glucose levels remain high (hyperglycaemia), this in turn tricks the pancreas into thinking that it needs to produce even more insulin (hyperinsulinaemia). Over time this over production and overwork of the pancreas results in destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas, and thus results in type 2 (insulin resistant) diabetes shifting into type 1 (loss of insulin production) diabetes.
It is important to note that type 2 diabetes can shift to type 1 diabetes. If you imagine that in type 2 diabetes the pancreas is producing plenty of insulin in response to rising blood glucose levels (i.e. fed state). However as the cells of the body are not responding to the circulating insulin, the circulating glucose cannot gain entry into its target cell (i.e. muscle cell). Thus blood glucose levels remain high (hyperglycaemia), this in turn tricks the pancreas into thinking that it needs to produce even more insulin (hyperinsulinaemia). Over time this over production and overwork of the pancreas results in destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas, and thus results in type 2 (insulin resistant) diabetes shifting into type 1 (loss of insulin production) diabetes.
Acupuncture's role in treatment ...
Acupuncture can play a very important role in treating the individual, however before we discuss this it is of paramount importance to mention the role of diet and lifestyle. As we have established briefly above, type 2 diabetes which accounts for around 90% of cases is seen to be initiated by circulating fatty acids. Thus it is no surprise that the work of Dr Neal Barnard shows that countless individuals have been able to ameliorate there condition by following a low fat high plant based diet. This contrasts to the outdated belief that a low carbohydrate diet should be followed. Exercise, stretching and breathing exercises have been shown to regulate endocrine and metabolic function and can assist in the down regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Furthermore due to the strong link of obesity to type 2 diabetes these activities combined with good eating habits can prove extremely beneficial in reducing excess body weight.
In regards to acupuncture's role in the treatment of diabetes it can provide a regulatory function in terms of the immune system. As well as provide various treatment strategies to balance endocrine and hormonal function. If we relate classical Chinese medical philosophy to a condition like diabetes mellitus we can see that they attributed to the earth element the responsibility of transporting and transforming food to a useable form of energy for the whole body. This sounds very similar to the endocrine role of the pancreas in its secretion of insulin and the resulting cellular uptake of glucose that is then transformed into a useable form (adenosine triphosphate). Thus strengthening the function of the earth element can play a pivotal role in the amelioration of diabetes signs and symptoms.
In regards to my clinical practice key meridians I focus on when addressing individuals who present with diabetes symptoms include the kidney meridian, spleen meridian, as well as addressing the constitution of the individual accordingly based on palpatory findings. Acupuncture stems from a philosophy of treating the individual, thus I can honestly say that although I do use specific treatment strategies for dealing with diabetes symptoms, treatment will always be guided by palpatory findings related to the constitution of the individual and subsequently the treatment acupuncture points used will vary from person to person. Diet, exercise, and regulating the immune system and endocrine function are essential when dealing with diabetes symptoms, and acupuncture can play a pivotal role in the harmonizing of the individual and greatly improve their health and vitality.
As always if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini - Licensed Acupuncturist
In regards to acupuncture's role in the treatment of diabetes it can provide a regulatory function in terms of the immune system. As well as provide various treatment strategies to balance endocrine and hormonal function. If we relate classical Chinese medical philosophy to a condition like diabetes mellitus we can see that they attributed to the earth element the responsibility of transporting and transforming food to a useable form of energy for the whole body. This sounds very similar to the endocrine role of the pancreas in its secretion of insulin and the resulting cellular uptake of glucose that is then transformed into a useable form (adenosine triphosphate). Thus strengthening the function of the earth element can play a pivotal role in the amelioration of diabetes signs and symptoms.
In regards to my clinical practice key meridians I focus on when addressing individuals who present with diabetes symptoms include the kidney meridian, spleen meridian, as well as addressing the constitution of the individual accordingly based on palpatory findings. Acupuncture stems from a philosophy of treating the individual, thus I can honestly say that although I do use specific treatment strategies for dealing with diabetes symptoms, treatment will always be guided by palpatory findings related to the constitution of the individual and subsequently the treatment acupuncture points used will vary from person to person. Diet, exercise, and regulating the immune system and endocrine function are essential when dealing with diabetes symptoms, and acupuncture can play a pivotal role in the harmonizing of the individual and greatly improve their health and vitality.
As always if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini - Licensed Acupuncturist
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