The role of acupuncture in diabetes has been studied. Acupuncture is a popular therapy in China and parts of North Asia. My research on natural solutions for diabetes did discover several studies that support the role of acupuncture in diabetes management and control.
A review of published scientific papers between 1979 and 2009 notes that acupuncture treatment reverses metabolic disorders such as enhanced blood sugar levels, inflammation, obesity, and other effects that contribute to insulin resistance. (Liang, F et al., 2010) Acupuncture and moxibustion, individually or together, were observed to be an effective therapy for diabetes. (Liao, H., et al., 2007).
Acupuncture is an effective long-term maintenance treatment for diabetes patients suffering from pain caused by the stimulation of nerves. This condition is called peripheral neuropathy. People with diabetes often observe unexplained pain in the feet. Diabetes causes damage to neural networks. The damage can result in pain in the feet or other parts of the body. This phenomenon is called peripheral neuropathy. Acupuncture helps reduce the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. (Abuaisha, B.B. et al., 1998; Zhang, C. et al., 2010; Tong, Y. et al., 2010)
Acupuncture points in the abdominal region are often targeted to relieve obese type 2 diabetes patients. Acupuncture lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, improves insulin resistance, and lowers lipid levels in the blood. (Yang, Y., et al., 2015; Wang, Y., et al., 2014; Zhi-cheng, L., et al., 2004) Experimental rats show a similar impact. (Peplow, P.V. et al., 2012)
If you carefully look at the scientific studies supporting acupuncture in diabetes patients, most of these have emanated from China. The lack of geographical variation is a cause for concern. Scientists further stress training Chinese researchers to undertake fair trials. (Chen, W. et al., 2013) The publishers of the journal, though, have distanced themselves from the comments of this group of scientists. But doubts do remain.
My conclusion is based on the weight of scientific evidence that acupuncture has a role in pain management. But does this extend to bringing down blood sugar levels, or does the role of acupuncture in diabetes control and management a question on which the jury is still out?
Additional reading:
Natural Solutions for Diabetes
Natural Solutions book tri-series