Definition
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multi-system disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar). It results
in both acute and chronic issues like mobility, headaches, and
neuromusculoskeletal issues. Type-2 diabetes or adult-onset diabetes represents the most common form of the disease. Chiropractors recognize these
complications and can help diabetic patients with musculoskeletal issues. (1)
Description
Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects
many people, weakens their musculoskeletal system, and keeps them from the
quality of life they want. OrthoIllinois Chiropractic understands this and works with our
McHenry diabetic patients who may well come to us for other
conditions like back pain and neck pain and find that chiropractic care is
beneficial for their health.
25.8 million Americans (8.3% of the population) have
diabetes.
(2) About two million Canadians suffer from diabetes, 10% of them
with Type 1, contributing to 41,000 deaths a year.
(3) Staggering statistics,
but that’s just the underlying story. The bigger story is the effect diabetes
has on each person with diabetes. Healthcare providers of all types are eager
to help. Medications are often a fundamental form of care, but diet, exercise, and
chiropractic play roles as well. Chiropractic offers benefits to diabetic
patients.
Mobility is a concern for diabetics. McHenry
diabetic patients wants to keep it, but some diabetics are limited in their
mobility. Let’s consider the statistics: Diabetic subjects are more likely to
use a mobility aid than control subjects: 7 versus 2% used a wheelchair regularly,
7 vs. 3% a frame, and 33 vs. 26% a walking stick. Generally, 46% of diabetic
subjects required the use of some form of mobility aid compared to just 31% of control subjects. (4)
Many are overweight or obese, 54% in one study. (5) 22% are physically
inactive, 17.4% are smokers, 18% report having hypertension, and 19.6% report
high cholesterol. (5) That’s where chiropractic care may come into play.
How does chiropractic fit into diabetic care? Chiropractors
like yours at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic work with the musculoskeletal system. Our gentle
Cox Technic keeps the spine and the musculoskeletal system functioning smoothly. Further, chiropractic looks at the whole person, and OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
coordinates
nutrition, diet, and
exercise to your tolerance and desire.
Coordination of care amongst healthcare providers like chiropractic
physicians and primary care physicians is a beginning. Each provides words of encouragement on how to manage diabetes as well as the best their
professions have to offer.
Contact OrthoIllinois Chiropractic today to make chiropractic a part of your overall diabetes care and discuss how chiropractic care
may augment your diabetes care plan positively.