(NaturalHealth365)  Diabetes is a struggle for millions of Americans, whether they are diabetic, prediabetic, or have a family history that puts them at risk for the disease.  However, a new study has identified a potential therapy that can help protect individuals from type 2 diabetes, creating quite a stir.

The ancient therapy of acupuncture may very well help protect individuals against this deadly chronic condition.  A new study published in Holistic Nursing Practice by researchers from Australia’s Edith Cowan University presents findings that this therapy may effectively prevent the disease.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is believed to have originated in China about 3,000 years ago.  Then, in the 1950s, it found its way to Western countries and eventually to the United States.  A survey in 2012 showed that approximately 3.5 million Americans had used or were using acupuncture as part of their health and wellness regimen.

Acupuncture is a natural health treatment that involves very thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points on the body.  These are strategic, key areas, acupuncture points, and the practitioner inserts the needles at these points to stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissue.  Some also believe that inserting the needles encourages the release of dopamine which acts as a natural painkiller.

How can acupuncture help prevent diabetes?

The study focused on prediabetes and how acupuncture may help individuals better manage this precursor to type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.  This is important because it dictates the level of sensitivity that the cells in an individual’s body are to the hormone insulin, which helps the body convert food to energy.

The theory is that acupuncture may help support healthy insulin production and encourage the body to utilize it more effectively without the harmful side effects of medications.  This would, in turn, help to better control blood sugar levels in prediabetic individuals.

There is also some evidence that acupuncture may help improve glycemic control in individuals who have type 2 diabetes.  It may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Natural ways to avoid type 2 diabetes

For the most part, type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease.  Most of the time, the culprit is lifestyle, primarily the individual’s diet.  Therefore, the best way to prevent the disease is by making some diet and lifestyle changes.

Eating three smaller, healthy meals and two to three healthy snacks throughout the day will help keep blood sugar balanced.  Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, lean fish and meat, and some whole grains.

Avoid processed foods like instant noodles, canned “meals,” frozen meals, and foods that contain a lot of sugar.  Even people who are not prediabetic or predisposed to diabetes can benefit from this smart dietary move.  Processed foods are bad for everyone.

Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of clean water throughout the day, starting with a big glass first thing in the morning.  This not only helps keep you properly hydrated, but it also helps to flush out toxins from the body.

Exercise regularly, even if you just walk for half an hour a day.  Exercise is essential for good health.  If you are not mobile, there are plenty of exercises that you can do while sitting in a chair or even while on the floor.

If you smoke or drink, stop now.  These are not just bad for your overall health; they can also contribute to a diabetic condition.

Combining these healthy lifestyle choices with acupuncture increases your chances of avoiding this disease and living your best life … a very healthy life.

Sources for this article include:

MedicalNewsToday.com
Journals.wwl.com
NationalDPPCSC.CDC.gov
CDC.gov