by Sheila Julson

As we age, it’s common to lose muscle mass due to lifestyle factors or poor nutrition choices. Muscle movement acts like a pump, pushing glucose into muscles where it can be used as fuel instead of circulating directly into the bloodstream. Recent studies, such as one published in 2017 in Plos One, a scientific peer-reviewed journal, showed a protective effect of muscle mass against developing Type 2 diabetes.

Osteogenic loading technology uses force to stimulate new bone growth, improve muscle density and balance, and reduce back and joint pain. The technology was specifically designed to address osteoporosis by providing sufficient compressive force on the skeletal system to stimulate new bone growth. Originally used primarily in hospitals and clinical settings, it is now more widely accessible.

By stressing the musculoskeletal system to a very high degree, osteogenic loading triggers adaptive responses systemically, improving muscle tone and mass in the process, explains Deb McFarland, owner of the OsteoStrong franchise location in Carrollton. OsteoStrong is a nationwide company that uses osteogenic-loading robotic musculoskeletal treatment devices to help its members build skeletal and muscular strength.

McFarland says that OsteoStrong members originally coming in for osteoporosis also report improvement in their A1C scores despite no new changes to their diets or exercise routines. OsteoStrong co-founder Dr. John Jaquish, a biomedical engineer, co-authored a study conducted by researchers in Great Britain that examined a group of pre-Type 2 diabetics over a six-month period. The study found that osteogenic loading was more effective in reducing A1C markers than any other un-stacked modality, such as a caloric restrictive diet, cardiovascular exercise, anti-diabetic medication or a weight bearing exercise regime.

“Combining osteogenic loading with nutrition modification and aerobic exercise provides a powerful method of addressing diabetes naturally,” McFarland concludes. “With osteogenic loading, you don’t sweat and you don’t have to change your lifestyle. One 10-minute session once per week is effective in building muscle to help reduce A1C markers. In addition, when strength, balance and pain improve, we find our members increasing physical activity in other areas of their lives. It leads them into a healthier lifestyle.” To be a good candidate for osteogenic loading, patients should be cleared by their physician for full, unrestricted physical activity.