Discover Effective Solutions to Treat Diabetes and Prediabetes
Take Control of Your Health and Live a Long, Healthy Life With Diabetes
Are you one of the 29 million Americans who are diabetics? Or perhaps you are among the shocking statistic of 89 million Americans, which is equivalent to 1 in 3 adults, who have prediabetes? Whether you are dealing with diabetes or prediabetes, we are here to provide you with valuable tips to help you manage and overcome these conditions. At our Diabetes information center, you can find a wealth of resources to support your journey towards better health.
Diabetes is a serious condition that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels are elevated, leading to potential long-term damage to vital organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other tissues. Prediabetes, on the other hand, is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. It occurs when blood glucose levels consistently exceed normal levels but do not yet reach the threshold for type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note that even prediabetes carries its own health risks.
The Impact of Prediabetes on Your Health
Experts warn that prediabetes can double the risk of cardiovascular disease. A sedentary lifestyle, excess body fat, and a family history of diabetes are all contributing factors to prediabetes. While family history may increase your risk, making changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly impact your health outcomes.
If you are already diabetic or have any risk factors for prediabetes, it is essential to regularly test your blood glucose levels. There are two simple tests available: fasting blood glucose and A1C. Fasting blood glucose provides a “snapshot” of your glucose levels after an overnight fast, typically spanning 8-9 hours. On the other hand, A1C measures the average amount of glucose in your blood over the past three to four months. It is worth noting that prediabetes often lacks noticeable symptoms, although fatigue may be experienced.
In some cases, individuals with prediabetes may have a normal fasting glucose level. The A1C test offers a more accurate picture of your blood glucose control.
Here are the normal and prediabetic ranges for these tests:
- Fasting blood glucose: Normal: below 100 mg/dL after an overnight fast and before eating. Prediabetic: 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
- A1C: Normal: 5.6% or below. Prediabetic: 5.7% to 6.4%
It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to better understand your test results and determine your current status.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Reverse Diabetes
Thankfully, there are lifestyle adjustments you can make to reverse diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests that individuals with diabetes engage in at least three minutes of light activity every 30 minutes during prolonged periods of sitting, such as when working on a computer or watching TV. This recommendation is especially valuable for those with type 2 diabetes.
Research demonstrates that untreated sleep problems, including sleep apnea, can heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Sleep apnea is a common condition characterized by breathing pauses or shallow breaths while sleeping. Many individuals with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition, leading to undiagnosed cases. Moreover, individuals working night shifts who struggle with sleepiness may also face an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Stress can adversely affect glucose levels in both animals and humans. Studies have shown that individuals experiencing physical or mental stress often have elevated glucose levels. In people with type 2 diabetes, mental stress tends to raise blood glucose levels, while physical stress, such as illness or injury, can cause higher blood glucose levels in individuals with either type of diabetes.
Although the challenges may seem daunting, there is hope. By implementing lifestyle and diet modifications, you can break free from the label of being diabetic and improve your overall health. Explore our resources for guidance on reversing diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers any treatment or diagnosis that does not use allopathic (conventional), medical practices.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
However, there are no known cases of death due to the use of holistic medicines.
Before starting any new treatment, consult your doctor.
Is holistic care the same thing?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine does nothing to address these issues. Alternative Medicine focuses on the body, mind and emotions.
What are examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine as well homeopathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutritional therapy and reiki.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. Examples include meditation, hypnosis, yoga, aromatherapy, reflexology, flower essences, and many others.
Can a holistic physician write prescriptions for me?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
To understand how each factor affects a patient, a physician must understand modern science and traditional methods such as herbs and homeopathy.
Many doctors have become certified in complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a complete range of services for their patients.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
webmd.com
How To
What should I look for when looking for a qualified holistic doctor
How to find a doctor who practices holistic medicine?
Doctors who specialize in their chosen field are the best. In this case, we talk about holistic medicine. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They must understand holistic health, and why you should see a holistic doctor.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA is a certification body that offers certifications in many areas of medicine, including naturopathic and acupuncture as well homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbs, and aromatherapy.
Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If you don’t see a practitioner listed, you might be able to look online for one.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
Your local library has books and resources that can help you with holistic health.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Cure for Diabetes
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/diabetes/cure-for-diabetes/
Published Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2023 22:15:54 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers any treatment or diagnosis that does not use allopathic (conventional), medical practices.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
However, there are no known cases of death due to the use of holistic medicines.
Before starting any new treatment, consult your doctor.
Is holistic care the same thing?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine does nothing to address these issues. Alternative Medicine focuses on the body, mind and emotions.
What are examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine as well homeopathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutritional therapy and reiki.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. Examples include meditation, hypnosis, yoga, aromatherapy, reflexology, flower essences, and many others.
Can a holistic physician write prescriptions for me?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
To understand how each factor affects a patient, a physician must understand modern science and traditional methods such as herbs and homeopathy.
Many doctors have become certified in complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a complete range of services for their patients.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
webmd.com
How To
What should I look for when looking for a qualified holistic doctor
How to find a doctor who practices holistic medicine?
Doctors who specialize in their chosen field are the best. In this case, we talk about holistic medicine. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They must understand holistic health, and why you should see a holistic doctor.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA is a certification body that offers certifications in many areas of medicine, including naturopathic and acupuncture as well homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbs, and aromatherapy.
Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If you don’t see a practitioner listed, you might be able to look online for one.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
Your local library has books and resources that can help you with holistic health.
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