Living with diabetes: Exploring acupuncture as an alternative therapy

While it may look more extreme than it actually is in practice, acupuncture is an alternative therapy that many have turned to for improved health and well-being.

In fact, acupuncture may help relieve some of the symptoms related to living with diabetes, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlined. If you experience numb or tingling hands or feet or occasional nausea, acupuncture might help — it may even improve aspects of your blood sugar management!

If you've been living with diabetes for a while and you're looking for alternative therapies, you might be curious about what acupuncture is and how it works. Here are answers to some of the most common questions, which can serve as a foundation for discussing acupuncture with your physician and investigating if this alternative treatment may be right for you.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that began over 2000 years ago, News-Medical.Net explained. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the body has acupuncture points that create an energy flow — called Qi (pronounced "chee") — that supports good health.

This alternative medicine treatment is primarily known to help with pain management. People with diabetes have experienced some positive results from acupuncture treatments, as HealthCMi reported. These include: improved blood glucose management, weight loss, improved pancreas function, lessened nausea, better sleep, and lowered stress and anxiety, according to Medical News Today. When combined with positive daily diabetes management habits, acupuncture treatments can potentially enhance feelings of well-being, noted The Baltimore Journal of Medicine.

It's important to talk to your primary care physician or your endocrinologist to see if acupuncture can benefit you. Many patients who rely on Western medicine participate in alternative therapies like massage, chiropractic work, and acupuncture.

While research conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine supports the benefits of acupuncture, many results are inconclusive — and acupuncture alone isn't a treatment for living with diabetes. Your doctor may be able to tell you about the experiences of other patients who have participated in acupuncture treatments and recommend a provider.

How do I find a qualified acupuncturist?

In addition to your physician, two organizations — the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine — can help you find a practitioner in your area. There are many professional designations for individuals working in the field of alternative medicine.

Be sure to ask about the letters behind the name of the practitioner. For example, the traditional designation for a Licensed Acupuncturist is L.Ac. Other titles include DCM, or Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and DABMA, or Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture.

What can I expect during treatment?

Visiting an acupuncturist may feel similar to visiting a chiropractor or a massage therapist. The office setting is usually quiet and comforting. At the initial consultation, the practitioner will collect your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and identify your treatment goals.

You'll also learn what to expect during a typical treatment. Depending on your goals, you might meet with the acupuncturist twice a week for four or more weeks.

Acupuncture patients lie on a soft table face-down or face-up during the treatments. After the needles are placed, you remain in a quiet room — often with music playing — during the remainder of the treatment.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture uses small gauge needles, Kaiser Permanente explained. While you may feel a slight sting or burst of energy as the needles are placed, the needles aren't hollow like those used to give vaccines or injections. Acupuncture needles can be as thin as a strand of hair, and they don't penetrate deep into the skin or muscles.

So, most people report that acupuncture treatments aren't painful — although experiences can vary.

Wondering how many needles are used and where the needles are placed? The placement of the needles depends on the symptoms you want to treat. Most acupuncturists have full-body charts in their offices that show acupuncture points corresponding to treatment points on the body. Five to 20 needles are used during a typical treatment that lasts for 10 to 30 minutes. Treatment points for people with diabetes are typically near the ankle and the wrist, noted Medical News Today.

Does health insurance pay for acupuncture?

Some health insurance providers reimburse for medically necessary acupuncture treatments. Call your health insurance company to ask about acupuncture benefits. Also, ask for covered conditions — in this case, diabetes-related symptoms — the number of treatments you can receive, the standard copays, and if a referral from your doctor is needed to see the acupuncturist.

If a referral is required, consult with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist before making an acupuncture appointment to speed up the process. Your physician may be able to write a referral and submit information to preauthorize the treatment.

Plans that don't have an acupuncture benefit may offer an affinity program. An affinity program is an agreement between your insurance company and providers, who may offer treatments at a discounted rate of 20% to 40%. Other options for payment include health savings accounts, reimbursement plans, or flexible spending plans.

Exploring acupuncture as an alternative therapy may help you manage diabetes symptoms. Alternative treatments can help you feel better and live life to the fullest.

For help with day to day management and obtaining diabetes supplies, visit Edgepark.com and explore the Health Insights blog.