Ask the Acupuncturists

Q:  I have diabetes and have not been able to get my blood sugar under control through diet.  I would like to put off insulin if possible--can acupuncture or herbs help?

A:  Diabetes is an epidemic in the US, with incidence rates reported as high as 15-20% in some populations and with substantial increases in all age and racial groups in the past few years.

Chinese medicine, relying mainly on herb formulas, but also on acupuncture, has been utilized extensively in China to reduce blood sugar in persons with diabetes, especially those with the most common type (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus).

In your case, as you are not yet insulin dependent, within four weeks prescribed Chinese herbs in therapeutic dosages along with a healthy diet and exercise will reduce blood glucose levels with less fluctuations throughout the day. 

Once someone is insulin dependent, herbs can help to reduce the dosage and frequency of injections, however it will never be able to replace the need for supplemental insulin. 
If you are on any diabetes medication it is important that you do not reduce this medication for at least two weeks and only under the supervision of your physician and herbalist.  
Acupuncture can also help to regulate glucose levels and treat other effects of diabetes such as the pain and numbness associated with peripheral neuropathy and the prevention of infection.