Definition
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multi-system disease described 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 signifies 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. Satterwhite Chiropractic recognizes this and works with our
Oxford 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) Incredible 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 sorts are eager
to help. Medications are often a central form of care, but diet, exercise, and
chiropractic play roles as well. Chiropractic offers benefits to diabetic
patients.
Mobility is a concern for diabetics. Oxford
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. Overall, 46% of diabetic
subjects used 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 Satterwhite Chiropractic work with the musculoskeletal system. Our gentle
Cox Technic keeps the spine and the musculoskeletal system functioning effectively. Further, chiropractic considers the whole person, and Satterwhite 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 good start. Each provides encouraging counseling on how to manage diabetes as well as the best their
professions have to offer.
Contact Satterwhite Chiropractic today to make chiropractic a part of your overall diabetes care and discuss how chiropractic care
may enhance your diabetes care plan beneficially.