Diabetes

Overview

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from the body's inability to produce sufficient insulin (Type 1), effectively use insulin (Type 2), or both, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide and significantly impacting quality of life and long-term health. This serious condition requires ongoing management to prevent acute complications like hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as long-term complications including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and poor wound healing. Causes vary by type: Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, while Type 2 diabetes develops from insulin resistance combined with progressive beta cell dysfunction, influenced by genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, chronic stress, and ageing.

While conventional medicine provides essential diagnosis, blood glucose monitoring, insulin or oral medications, and screening for complications, many individuals benefit from complementary approaches that address lifestyle factors, support metabolic function, reduce inflammation, manage stress, and prevent progression^[1,2]. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) modalities offer valuable strategies for managing diabetes through evidence-based nutrition, regular physical activity, stress reduction, and holistic support that works alongside medical management^[9].

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

• Insulin resistance - Cells become less responsive to insulin, requiring higher levels to achieve glucose uptake, central to Type 2 diabetes development
• Autoimmune factors - The Immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells in Type 1 diabetes, eliminating or severely reducing insulin production
• Genetic predisposition - Family history significantly increases risk for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes through inherited susceptibility
• Obesity and excess weight - Particularly abdominal fat increases insulin resistance and is the strongest modifiable risk factor for Type 2 diabetes
• Physical inactivity - Sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles, contributing to metabolic dysfunction
• Poor dietary patterns - High intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy fats promotes insulin resistance
• Chronic stress - Elevated cortisol levels increase blood glucose, promote fat storage, and worsen insulin resistance over time
• Age and metabolic changes - Risk increases with age due to decreased muscle mass, weight gain, and reduced beta-cell function
• Hormonal conditions - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's syndrome, and other endocrine disorders increase diabetes risk
• Inflammation - Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction^[4]

Signs and Symptoms

• Increased thirst - Excessive thirst (polydipsia) as the body attempts to dilute high blood glucose through fluid intake
• Frequent urination - Increased urination (polyuria), particularly at night, as the kidneys work to eliminate excess glucose
• Unexplained weight loss - Despite normal or increased eating, particularly in Type 1 diabetes, as cells cannot access glucose for energy
• Persistent fatigue - Chronic tiredness and weakness resulting from cells' inability to efficiently use glucose for energy
• Increased hunger - Excessive appetite (polyphagia) as cells signal hunger despite adequate food intake due to glucose utilisation problems
• Blurred vision - Visual changes caused by glucose-related fluid shifts affecting the lens of the eye
• Slow healing wounds - Cuts, bruises, and sores take longer to heal due to impaired circulation and immune function
• Recurrent infections - Frequent skin, urinary, or yeast infections, as high glucose levels impair immune defences
• Tingling or numbness - Peripheral neuropathy causing sensations in hands and feet, indicating nerve damage from prolonged hyperglycemia
• Dark skin patches - Acanthosis nigricans appearing as darkened, velvety skin in body folds, indicating insulin resistance

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

Holistic and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) care supports blood glucose management, metabolic health, and prevention of complications for individuals with diabetes, alongside essential medical monitoring and treatment.

• Nutrition provides the foundation for diabetes management through balanced meal planning, emphasising complex carbohydrates with low glycemic index, adequate protein, healthy fats, fibre-rich foods, and portion control. Nutritionists create individualised eating plans supporting stable blood glucose, weight management, and cardiovascular health while considering cultural preferences, lifestyle, and specific metabolic needs^[3,10].
• Exercise Physiology utilises structured physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity, support glucose uptake by muscles, manage weight, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and prevent complications. Exercise physiologists design personalised programs combining aerobic exercise, resistance training, and flexibility work appropriate for individual fitness levels, presence of complications, and blood glucose management^[1].
• Lifestyle Medicine addresses the comprehensive behavioural and environmental factors affecting diabetes through evidence-based interventions targeting nutrition, physical activity, sleep quality, stress management, social connections, and avoidance of risky substances. Lifestyle medicine practitioners support sustainable behaviour change through motivational approaches and practical strategies^[1,2,9].
• Ayurveda views diabetes (Prameha or Madhumeha) as a disorder of metabolism and digestive fire, recommending specific herbs like bitter melon, fenugreek, and gymnema, dietary modifications based on constitution, detoxification practices, and lifestyle adjustments, including specific yoga postures and breathing exercises that support pancreatic function and metabolic balance^[5].
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets diabetes as patterns of yin deficiency, heat, and qi deficiency, utilising herbal formulas containing ingredients like ginseng, astragalus, and rehmannia alongside dietary therapy emphasising foods that nourish yin and clear heat, tailored to individual diagnostic patterns to support blood sugar regulation and prevent complications^[10].
• Acupuncture demonstrates potential benefits for diabetes management by regulating insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, managing neuropathic pain, supporting weight management, and addressing stress factors. Practitioners select points targeting specific organ systems involved in glucose metabolism and overall energy balance according to TCM diagnostic patterns.
• Health and Wellness Coaching empowers individuals to set and achieve personalised health goals through supportive partnership, accountability, behaviour change strategies, problem-solving obstacles, and developing sustainable self-management skills. Coaches help clients navigate the complex daily demands of diabetes management while maintaining motivation and addressing emotional aspects of living with chronic disease^[6,7,8].

Self-Care and Lifestyle Practices

• Monitor blood glucose regularly - Track blood sugar levels as recommended to understand patterns, identify triggers, and adjust management strategies
• Follow a balanced eating plan - Choose whole foods, control portions, space meals consistently, and limit refined carbohydrates and added sugars^[3]
• Exercise most days - Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, including both aerobic exercise and strength training^[1]
• Maintain a healthy weight - Even modest weight loss significantly improves insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetes
• Manage stress effectively - Practice relaxation techniques, as stress hormones directly raise blood glucose levels
• Prioritise sleep quality - Aim for 7-9 hours of consistent sleep, as poor sleep worsens insulin resistance and blood sugar control
• Stay hydrated - Drink adequate water throughout the day to support kidney function and overall metabolic health
• Examine feet daily - Check for cuts, blisters, or changes that may indicate nerve damage or circulation problems
• Take medications as prescribed - Follow medication schedules carefully and never adjust insulin or medications without medical guidance
• Build a support network - Connect with others managing diabetes for shared experiences, practical tips, and emotional support⁷

When to Seek Professional Support

Conventional medical practitioners, including endocrinologists and primary care physicians, should be consulted for initial diagnosis through blood tests, prescription of appropriate medications or insulin regimens, regular monitoring of blood glucose control and complications, adjustment of treatment plans, and management of acute complications. Medical attention is important for ongoing diabetes management, routine screenings for eye, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular complications, and education on medication use and glucose monitoring. Immediate medical care is needed for severe hypoglycemia with confusion or loss of consciousness, signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, including vomiting, dehydration, and fruity breath odour, or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state with extreme dehydration and altered consciousness.

A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner can work collaboratively with medical teams to provide evidence-based nutritional guidance supporting optimal blood glucose control^[3], design safe and effective exercise programs appropriate for individual circumstances^[1], teach stress management and mind-body techniques that positively affect glucose metabolism, offer traditional medicine approaches that may complement conventional treatments^[5,10], provide health coaching for sustainable behavior change and self-management skills^[6,7], and address the emotional and psychological aspects of living with diabetes. This integrative approach recognises that effective diabetes management requires a comprehensive strategy addressing nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors alongside necessary medical treatments^[2,8,9], empowering individuals to take active roles in their health through personalised, sustainable practices that improve blood glucose control, prevent complications, and enhance overall quality of life.