Did you know that acupuncture could help prevent type 2 diabetes? Research suggests that acupuncture can help regulate certain parameters of blood glucose to stave off type 2 diabetes.

Study Summary

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis, including 3600+ participants with prediabetes, found that:

• Acupuncture therapy improved fasting blood glucose, two-hour blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C - which are all elevated with diabetes and prediabetes.

The Hearty Take

Although more research is needed to cement these findings and to understand the dose and frequency of acupuncture needed for these metabolic benefits as well as the mechanisms of these benefits, it can’t hurt to try it! Since stress can negatively impact blood sugar regulation, it makes sense that a stress-reducing tool like acupuncture could have a role in the prevention of metabolic conditions. Another reminder that lifestyle is powerful! Interested in acupuncture? Reach out to your doctor!