Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for storing energy in the body in the form of glycogen. This is accomplished by the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream, which is then converted and stored in fat, muscle, and liver cells. When insulin activity is disrupted, the likely culprit is Diabetes mellitus (DM).
DM may be separated into three categories: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). T1DM causes an individual’s immune system to attack insulin-producing cells and is thus considered an auto-immune disorder. Patients with T1DM tend to be very young and require daily insulin injections in order to survive. Alternatively, T2DM is seen in adults and involves insulin resistance. It affects approximately 17 million people in the United States and can be managed through proper diet and exercise. Finally, GD is glucose intolerance that affects about 2-4% of pregnant women per year.
A 67-year-old female suffering from T2DM, hypertension, and kidney failure sought the help of a chiropractor with the intention of improving her overall health and quality of life after experiencing great dissatisfaction with other medical interventions. Some symptoms she experienced prior to chiropractic care included: headaches, digestive issues, musculoskeletal pain, and discomfort.
The chiropractic exam identified cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic range of motion loss and subsequent presence of subluxations in the same regions.
The patient was seen three times a week for four weeks. Visits involved spinal adjustments, physical rehabilitation, lumbar and cervical exercises, and the use of a wobble chair. The treatment duration exceeded the four-week recommendation and reached a total of 33 visits over a 3-month period.
Post-treatment results included the following: termination of several of the 92 pills she was prescribed including her insulin pills to make for a new total of 21 pills, her glucose levels reached normal range, occurrence and severity of spasms decreased, head posture improved, thoracic and lumbar subluxations improved, and general pain and discomfort improved as well.
T2DM is a growing global health issue and although current interventions have been proven to help manage this condition, alternative treatment options should be considered. Referring to the case study discussed above, chiropractic care is proving to be a likely competitor. More specifically, the patient was able to achieve normal glucose levels that were monitored using glucose level testing throughout her treatment, which resulted in the termination of her insulin pills. With a personally prescribed treatment plan, the patient was able to experience several benefits that improved her overall health in addition to the resolution of her T2DM, which ultimately improved her quality of life.
Yachter, D., & Jarry, M. (2015). Resolution of Type 2 diabetes Mellitus in a 67 Year old Female Patient following subluxation-based chiropractic care: A case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. Retrieved from: http://www.mccoypress.net/annals/docs/2015-1369_diabetes.pdf
