Alternative And Complementary Medicine For Diabetes
Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Diabetes Between 17-73% of patients may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at some point to help manage their diabetes.1 CAM offers the promise of treatment without the side effects of conventional medication. Some patients may also feel that CAM remedies are closer to nature, and for that reason somehow better than conventional medicine. The risk is that some types of CAM have little or no efficacy, while others may do harm or interact with other medications. Information on the safety and efficacy of CAM is a murky area full of conflicting, inconclusive evidence. On the other hand, certain types of CAM do hold promise, and may deserve consideration. Hundreds of supplements are used in CAM for treating diabetes, but supporting evidence suffers from methodological issues: studies with small numbers, too short duration, and/or lack of an appropriate comparator. Nevertheless, many substances have mechanisms of action suggestive of antihyperglycemic effects. Perhaps the most promising supplement is chromium. Deficiency of this trace mineral causes reversible diabetes. Chromium is a cofactor in insulin regulation and plays a major role insulin sensitivity. Though it may be the only CAM that has level 1 evidence supporting its role in diabetes management, large-scale clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended.2 Chromium supplements may cause stomach pain and bloating. Kidney damage, muscular problems, and skin reactions have also been reported.3 Fiber: No consistent evidence that a high fiber diet improves HbA1c, though it may help control cardiovascular risk factors.2 Gymnema sylvestre: Known as gurmar (sugar-destroyer) in Hindi, this supplement is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating diabetes, cholest Continue reading >>
Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Supplements In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Supplements in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Fabian E.a Tscher S.a Elmadfa I.a Pieber T.R.b I have read the Karger Terms and Conditions and agree. I have read the Karger Terms and Conditions and agree. Buy a Karger Article Bundle (KAB) and profit from a discount! If you would like to redeem your KAB credit, please log in . Save over 20% compared to the individual article price. Buy Cloud Access for unlimited viewing via different devices Access to all articles of the subscribed year(s) guaranteed for 5 years Unlimited re-access via Subscriber Login or MyKarger Unrestricted printing, no saving restrictions for personal use * The final prices may differ from the prices shown due to specifics of VAT rules. For additional information: Background/Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the current use of biologically-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in diabetics, considering health awareness, motivation, and expectations for CAM use. Moreover, patients attitudes toward cinnamon preparations and the need for appropriate information from health care professionals were determined. Methods: A total of 200 patients (59% men and 41% women) with type 1 (16%) or type 2 diabetes (84%) were interviewed using a standardized, validated questionnaire; the results from 198 respondents were analyzed. Results: A third of type 1 and type 2 diabetics (women > men; p < 0.01) reported current use of biologically-based CAM supplements, and intake was significantly (r = 0.203; p < 0.05) correlated to the degree of health awareness/interest in self-care in type 2 diabetics. The use of nutritional supplements (vitamins/multivitamins and minerals), herbal medicine, and cinnamon was reported most frequently. Prevention (3 Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use Decreases Adherence To Prescribed Medication In Diabetes Patients Alfian Sd, Sukandar H, Arisanti N, Abdulah R - Ann Trop Med Public Health
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries and continues to increase in prevalence and significance, as changing lifestyles lead to reduced physical activity and increased obesity. [1] , [2] A 69% increase in the number of adults with diabetes in developing countries is predicted between 2010 and 2030. [1] In Indonesia, the number of people with diabetes reached 21.3 million and is expected to increase 2.5 times in 2030. [3] Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a wide range of clinical therapies outside of conventional medicine. [4] The Indonesia Ministry of Health categorizes CAM into four domains: Skill-based therapy, biologically based therapy, spiritual therapy, and supernatural therapy. [5] Biologically based practices are the CAM modalities most commonly used and studied for the treatment of diabetes. [4] Based on the Indonesia Socioeconomic Survey, CAM is used by 40% of the Indonesian population and this percentage increase every year. [6] CAM use is common among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and its prevalence has a wide range (17-72.8%) due to the different definitions of CAM in studies. [7] Diabetes patients have been found to be 1.6 times more likely to use CAM than individuals without diabetes. [8] Several studies have also reported that those who use CAM are more likely to report poorer health status and to suffer from conditions associated with chronic pain, disability, or psychological impairment. [9] Previous research has suggested that T2DM patients who use CAM are less likely to use conventional medical services. [10] In addition, some studies have indicated that CAM use is associated with decreased use of preventive care services. [11] Effective and successful glucose control requ Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Diabetes 2014
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume2015(2015), Article ID685248, 2 pages Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Diabetes 2014 1Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11501, Taiwan 2Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan 3Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA 4School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia 5NICM Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia 6Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Received 27 November 2014; Accepted 27 November 2014 Copyright 2015 Wen-Chin Yang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Diabetes, one of the incurable pandemic diseases, is characterized by insulin deficiency and insulin resistance, leading to aberrant homeostasis of glucose, protein, and lipid. Genetic and environmental factors are the primary causes of diabetes. International Diabetes Federation estimated that 400 million people are afflicted with this disease worldwide. However, current oral antidiabetic agents commonly used in orthodox medicine have unmet efficacy and undesirable side effects in patients, which, consequently, can develop cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, foot ulcers, and so forth. Therefore, there is an urgent need for development of new remedies for diabetes. World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world population uses complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for their primary health Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Diabetes Care
Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Diabetes Care Growing numbers of people with diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while receiving conventional medica... The paper explores the patterns of coexistence of alternative/complementary health care (CAM) and conventional medicine in Israel in the cultural, political, and social contexts of the society. The data are drawn from over ten years of sociological r Curr Diab Rep DOI 10.1007/s11892-012-0315-2 PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS (K HOOD, SECTION EDITOR) Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Diabetes Care Monica M. DiNardo & Jolynn M. Gibson & Lara Siminerio & Allison R. Morell & Edward S. Lee # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012 Abstract Growing numbers of people with diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while receiving conventional medical therapy as a means of managing disease and improving quality of life. Although herbal and natural products are the most commonly used forms of CAM, mindbody approaches are also gaining popularity and scientific interest. Current findings suggest that CAM may help to promote an integrative, participatory model of diabetes care that relies upon provider knowledge of evidence-based therapies and patient disclosure of CAM use. Emerging evidence of positive findings with some natural products and mindbody therapies have been reported in glycemic parameters, markers of cardiovascular risk, and quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes; however, further investigation in welldesigned, adequately powered studies is needed before use of CAM modalities can be recommended as part of clinical care. Keywords Complementary and alternative medicine . Herbal supplements . Nutritional supplem Continue reading >>
Can Alternative Therapies Help You Manage Diabetes?
Can Alternative Therapies Help You Manage Diabetes? Thinking of adding a complementary therapy to your type 2 diabetes treatment plan? If so, heres what you should consider. Spice up your diabetes meal plan with recipes from the Americas to Asia and Europe. People with type 2 diabetes sometimes add complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) therapies to their treatment plans. But its important to choose carefully. While some CAM therapies might be of help, others could end up doing more harm than good. Before you decide to use a CAM therapy to help manage type 2 diabetes, consider these steps: Talk to your doctor before taking a supplement. Some supplements and medications can interfere with each other, leading to dangerous side effects, says Andrew Newberg, MD , director of research at the Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia. Talk to your doctor about why you want to add a CAM therapy, and specifically which of your type 2 diabetes symptoms arent being addressed with regular treatment. Discussing the goals of CAM therapy is always important so that the most effective treatment plan with medications or supplements can be developed, he says. Keep taking medication as prescribed. Sometimes people quit their medications when they start taking a supplement, says Aunna Pourang, MD , an integrative family medicine doctor in Santa Monica, California. However, she says, "the last thing you want is for someone to stop taking their medications, take a supplement with no benefit, and wind up hospitalized with life-threatening high blood sugar or with a stroke, heart attack, or other complications as a result of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes." Find reliable information. The National Center for Complementary and Int Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Diabetes Care
, Volume 12, Issue6 , pp 749761 | Cite as Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Diabetes Care Psychosocial Aspects (K Hood, Section Editor) Growing numbers of people with diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while receiving conventional medical therapy as a means of managing disease and improving quality of life. Although herbal and natural products are the most commonly used forms of CAM, mindbody approaches are also gaining popularity and scientific interest. Current findings suggest that CAM may help to promote an integrative, participatory model of diabetes care that relies upon provider knowledge of evidence-based therapies and patient disclosure of CAM use. Emerging evidence of positive findings with some natural products and mindbody therapies have been reported in glycemic parameters, markers of cardiovascular risk, and quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes; however, further investigation in well-designed, adequately powered studies is needed before use of CAM modalities can be recommended as part of clinical care. Complementary and alternative medicineHerbal supplementsNutritional supplementsMindbody therapiesDiabetes mellitusType 2 diabetesPrediabetesInsulin resistance This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access The authors would like to thank Jane Rish of the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System for her assistance in performing the literature search for this article. Conflicts of interest: M. DiNardo, none; J. M. Gibson, none; L. Siminerio, none; A. R. Morell, none. E. S. Lee is a Medical Acupuncture Instructor at the Helms Medical Institute; is Director, Acupuncture Clinic, @ VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System; has received grant support from the VA Integrated Serv Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use By Diabetes Patients In Kerala, India
Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies (AMCHSS) Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) The study assessed: (1) the prevalence of exclusive use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), exclusive use of modern medicine and combined use; (2) the factors associated with exclusive CAM use; and (3) the expenditure for CAM use among type-2 diabetes patients in rural Kerala. We surveyed 400 diabetes patients selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Exclusive CAM use was reported by 9%, exclusive modern medicine by 61% and combined use by 30%. Patients without any co-morbidity were four times, those having regular income were three times and those who reported regular exercise were three times more likely to use exclusive CAM compared with their counterparts. Expense for medicines was not significantly different for CAM compared with modern medicine both in government and private sector. Patients with any co-morbidity were less likely to use CAM indicating that CAM use was limited to milder cases of diabetes. To send this article to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the name part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about sending to your Kindle. Find out more about sending to your Kindle . Note you can select to send to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. @free.kindle.com emails are free but can only be sent to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. @kindle.com emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply. F Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients In A Tertiary Care Hospital | Sadiq | International Journal Of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology
Complementary and alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary care hospital Shamiya Sadiq, Kanika Khajuria, Vijay Khajuria Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among chronic diseases like Diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the aim was to study the pattern of CAM use among Type2DM in our set up. Methods: The study was done in diabetic patients attending OPD of Government medical college hospital over a period of 2 months. Patients who gave consent were subjected to a pre-structured questionnaire which consisted of two parts pertaining to socio-demographic profile and CAM usage details. Results: Out of 280 patients enrolled in the study, 110 admitted being CAM users along with conventional Anti-Diabetic treatment. The CAM users were mostly females (56.36%) and were from rural background (70.90%). CAM was prevalent in educated patients (90.90%) more than illiterates (9.09%). Ayurveda (44.54%) was the most common type of CAM used and relatives (58.18%) provided main source of CAM information. 32.72% patients thought that CAM is safe, effective (20.90%) and less costly (19.09%). Only 16.36% patients disclosed regarding their CAM usage to the attending physician while majority (83.63%) were non-revealers. The results suggest that patients should be encouraged to reveal to their physician regarding CAM as it can avoid possibility of interactions. Conclusions: CAM is prevalent in T2DM and more so in females from rural areas. Ayurveda was the most widely type of CAM used and majority of patients did not disclose to the treating physician regarding CAM usage. Anti diabetic drugs, Complementary and alternative medicine, CAM, Diabetes mellitus, Tertiary care Sadiq S, Kaur S, Khajuria V, Gupta S, Sharma A. Complementary Continue reading >>
The Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicines (cams) In The Treatment Of Diabetes Mellitus: Is Continued Use Safe And Effective?
The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus: is continued use safe and effective? Medagama and Bandara; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.2014 Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a prevalence of 347 million in 2013. Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) are a group of remedies that is fast gaining acceptance among individuals. Cinnamon, Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) are 3 widely used CAMs used worldwide for the treatment of diabetes. Data on safety and efficacy is limited, but the consumption is wide. Crepe ginger (Costus speciosus) and Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) are 2 plants used widely in the Asian region for their presumed hypoglycaemic properties. In this review, we analyzed the available evidence for the 5 CAMs mentioned above in terms of in-vitro studies, animal studies sand clinical trials. We also describe the mechanisms of hypoglycaemia and safety concerns where there is available evidence. Clinical trials that studied the hypoglycaemic effects of Cinnamon, bitter gourd, fenugreek and ivy gourd showed conflicting results. Direct comparison between studies remains a challenge in view of the baseline heterogeneity of subjects, differences in substrate preparation, variable end points and poor trial design. Short durations of study and small number of subjects studied is universal. Crepe ginger has not been studied adequately in humans to draw conclusions. In view of the high prevalence of use and safety and efficacy issues, there is an urgent need to study their hypoglycaemic and adverse effects in well-designed long-term clinical trials. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)Type 2 diabetes mellitusCinnamon (Cinn Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medical Therapies For Diabetes
Additional Information on Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Diabetes The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine , part of the National Institutes of Health, defines complementary and alternative medicine as a "group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." Complementary medicine is used with conventional therapy, whereas alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. Some people with diabetes use complementary or alternative therapies to treat diabetes . Although some of these therapies may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful. Patients who use complementary and alternative medicine need to let their health care providers know what they are doing. Some complementary and alternative medicine therapies are discussed below. For more information, talk with your health care provider. Acupuncture is a procedure in which a practitioner inserts needles into designated points on the skin . Some scientists believe that acupuncture triggers the release of the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture has been shown to offer relief from chronic pain . Acupuncture is sometimes used by people with neuropathy, the painful nerve damage of diabetes. Biofeedback is a technique that helps a person become more aware of and learn to deal with the body's response to pain. This alternative therapy emphasizes relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that some professionals who use biofeedback do. With guided imagery, a person thinks of peaceful mental images, such as ocean waves. A person may also include the images of controlling or curing a chronic disease, such as diabetes. Peopl Continue reading >>
Diabetes Natural Treatments
Ads by Google Clinical Diabetes journal says in the United States an estimated 34% of diabetes adults are using some type of alternative therapy. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that a natural treatment is possible for diabetes by enlivening the pancreatic cells, which are responsible for this illness. Natural treatment can be considering as a medical system supports your body's ability to heal itself. Groups of diverse medical systems, not presently considering being a part of conventional medicine is called traditional or alternative therapy. A US study published in Diabetes Care 2002 identifies those aged over 65 years as being 3 times more likely to use alternative medicine than those aged less. Alternative medicine is categorizing into five groups they are: Biologically based practices – are therapies involving substances found in nature having purported medicinal properties. Examples are herbs and dietary supplements to control diabetes. Mind-body therapy – are practices used the relationship of mind and body to achieve improved health or treat diabetes. Examples are yoga, tai chi, and meditation. Manipulation and body-based practices – are massaging specific body parts or the whole body. Examples are chiropractic therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and reflexology massage. Energy healing - are practices involving energy fields around and inside the human bodies that are altered by energy-healers for a health benefit. Examples are chakra balancing, Reiki, external qi gong, and therapeutic touch. Whole-medical systems – are complete medical systems often evolved earlier than conventional medicine. Examples are Homeopathy, naturopathy, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese’s medicine. Biological based practices and mind-body medicines are the most com Continue reading >>
Alternative And Complementary Therapies For Diabetes
The Western diet — or the “typical American diet” — is filled with processed grains, added sugar, meat, dairy, and salt. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 30% of U.S. adults drink sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda or lemonade each day. The Western diet is contributing to an increasing number of people developing Type 2 diabetes. However, there are other choices, and many people are turning away from processed foods and toward eating plant-based diets and drinking more water. What if you could make a few small changes in your lifestyle that connected your mind and your body to help manage your diabetes? What does it mean to connect your mind and body? How does it work? Using conventional medical treatments and following a healthy lifestyle can help control Type 2 diabetes. But adding integrative medicine systems, holistic practices such as yoga, and supplements to your diet can complement your diabetes treatment, help improve your health, and increase your general sense of well-being. Ayurveda The U.S. medicine system generally works by treating symptoms we feel in our bodies. In the Ayurvedic medicine system, a 3,000-year-old Indian system, people are treated by helping the body and the mind become balanced, as opposed to a list of symptoms to be cured. In Ayurveda, human beings, like the universe, are made up of each of the five elements: air, space, fire, water, and earth. These elements, in their biological form, are known as Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. You can take a simple quiz to learn your dosha at Because everyone has all of the elements in their bodies, everyone has each of the doshas as well. Each person is thought to be born with his/her own balance of these doshas. Keeping healthy depends on wh Continue reading >>
Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Diabetes Care.
Curr Diab Rep. 2012 Dec;12(6):749-61. doi: 10.1007/s11892-012-0315-2. Complementary and alternative medicine in diabetes care. University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. [email protected] Growing numbers of people with diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while receiving conventional medical therapy as a means of managing disease and improving quality of life. Although herbal and natural products are the most commonly used forms of CAM, mind-body approaches are also gaining popularity and scientific interest. Current findings suggest that CAM may help to promote an integrative, participatory model of diabetes care that relies upon provider knowledge of evidence-based therapies and patient disclosure of CAM use. Emerging evidence of positive findings with some natural products and mind-body therapies have been reported in glycemic parameters, markers of cardiovascular risk, and quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes; however, further investigation in well-designed, adequately powered studies is needed before use of CAM modalities can be recommended as part of clinical care. Continue reading >>
Diabetes Alternative Treatments
What are alternative treatments for diabetes? Maintaining blood sugar levels is part of managing diabetes. Doctors often prescribe traditional treatments, like insulin injections to keep blood sugar levels normal. Some people with diabetes also use complementary and alternative therapies (CAM). These therapies aim to treat the body and the mind. Alternative treatments for diabetes include: herbs supplements diet exercise relaxation techniques There is little evidence whether some CAM therapies work. Supplements may be considered “all natural.” But that doesn’t mean they won’t interfere with traditional medications. In fact, there’s no legal definition of “all natural.” Most of us don’t think of diet and exercise as “alternative medicine.” But they do fall under this category. Diet and exercise are important in treating diabetes. What you eat and how active you are impacts your blood sugar level and health. Having a healthy diet and staying active have a positive impact on diabetes. Having an exercise regimen is a standard recommendation for people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends doing resistance exercises twice per week for people without activity restrictions. Examples could be lifting free weights or using resistance bands. Those with type 2 diabetes should also aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity every week. The World Journal of Diabetes published a review of studies about type 2 diabetes and exercise. The review found physical activity is one of the best treatments to control type 2 diabetes. Exercise can reduce blood pressure, improve glucose tolerance, and reduce too-high blood sugar levels. The ADA makes the same recommendations for those with type 1 diabetes. But people with t Continue reading >>
