Can chiropractic care help with my blood sugar?

One of the rules of chiropractic care is to manage the health and restore whole-body function of the patients entering our office. Because of this, knowledge and understanding of a patient's controlled or uncontrolled blood sugar abnormalities is necessary, as it is a very important aspect of their health and well-being. How does the blood sugar level affect the body, and what can chiropractic do in the management of the patient with blood sugar abnormalities?

Glucose (sugar) is the primary source of energy for our body's cells, and the level that exists in our blood is tightly regulated by insulin produced by the pancreas. Essentially, when we eat carbohydrates (simple or complex), the blood sugar level goes up and triggers insulin to increase, which lowers the blood sugar level to keep it in a fairly tight range.

Your blood sugar level is typically lowest before eating in the morning, which makes it the best time to check the level as it will elevate after eating for an hour or two and then gradually normalize. It can dip down below the fasting level between the third and fourth hour after eating, at which time symptoms of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur (tired, difficulty concentrating, light headed, rapid heart rate, etc.). When your blood sugar is high, the term hyperglycemia is used. In general, our bodies can tolerate levels that are too high better than levels that are too low.

In patients with diabetes, the blood sugar literally makes the blood thicker (think of molasses), making it hard for it to pass through the smaller blood vessels. This is why the eyes, kidneys, toes and feet are so susceptible to damage, as blood can't get through the small vessels in these locations.

Numerous case studies have been published that report success in reducing A1C levels, blood glucose levels, and the amount of insulin needed in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes in patients of various ages, including a four-year-old type-1 diabetic, through chiropractic treatment. Adjustments applied to the upper neck and mid-back regions, the areas which supply nerves to the pancreas, have benefited diabetics. Nutritional recommendations have also been reported as beneficial in many case reports.