Bookmark and Share
America's Diabetes Super Store

Home glucose monitoring is the cornerstone of every diabetes management program. It allows the diabetic to learn and follow the day to day changes in their blood sugars and, in partnership with their physician, make any necessary changes in their treatment plan.

Periodically following up with a registered dietician can help to establish a successful, “carbohydrate-based” eating plan.

Regularly scheduled meals and physical activity can help to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar while, at the same time, improving overall blood sugar control.

It is imperative that the diabetic develop a safe, effective exercise prescription in conjunction with their physician.

View all tips

Acupuncture May Help Relieve Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

FRIDAY, Sept. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Acupuncture and exercise may help women better handle the symptoms and risks that come with hormone imbalances caused by certain ovarian cysts, Swedish researchers report.

About one in 10 women of reproductive age have polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can start in the teen years and cause irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Small immature cysts on the ovaries disrupt hormone production, causing excessive secretion of testosterone, the male sex hormone. In addition to infertility, it can increase a woman's odds of becoming obese and developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the study authors explained.

While the syndrome's cause remains mysterious, researchers believe it is linked to a highly active sympathetic nervous system, part of the body's internal controls that regulate several functions one cannot willingly manage, such as how wide one's pupils dilate.

In the study, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome were separated into three groups: one group received regular electro-acupuncture, in which weak electric current is sent through the needles; another group was given heart-rate monitors and told to exercise three or more times per week; the last group was given no additional treatment or instructions. After a four-month period, women in the acupuncture and exercise groups ended up with lower sympathetic nervous system activity, though the acupuncture group received additional benefits, the researchers found.

"Those who received acupuncture found that their menstruation became more normal. We could also see that their levels of testosterone became significantly lower, and this is an important observation, since elevated testosterone levels are closely connected with the increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system of women," study author Elisabet Stener-Victorin, an associate professor who has led the research at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, said in a news release issued by the institution.

More information

The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association has more about polycystic ovarian syndrome.



Prescriptions DON'T HAVE Rx COVERAGE?
Click Here to print out your FREE OPTIMIZERx Card and instantly begin savings on your next prescriptions!
Send us Feedback!


Need to Sign up?
It's Easy and Free!



Signup & Save  

Already a Member?
Login Here!


Get Selected Offers

As a FREE member of our community,
you will have instant access to:


Click the Play Button to Learn More

Free Rx coupons, trial vouchers, samples & other special savings

Alerts on future savings & support on selected meds & health products

Health Savings Newsletters

Tips , videos & Information to better manage your health conditions

Community Forums


Close Window