Insulin has the advantage of altenrative effective where other Successful weight management are not and tratment be considered as Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches of any combination regimen when hyperglycemia is severe, especially if catabolic features weight loss, hypertriglyceridemia, ketosis are present. Wulffelé MG, Kooy A, Lehert P, et al. But their effect in the body is shorter.

Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches -

Some treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine or ayurvedic healing, are also used in alternative therapies. However, they have either not been thoroughly tested in clinical trials or stand as unproven or disproven methods. On the other hand, some alternative treatments look appealing because they are simple, natural, and without side effects.

In contrast, others can have detrimental or even life-threatening side effects. However, the choice to use alternative methods for diabetes management is yours.

Certain people with diabetes might benefit from alternative medicine and therapies that are not part of standard medical treatments. Some alternative treatments will work for diabetes, and others simply will not.

So, you should consult your doctor before receiving any alternative therapies. Yoga is an alternative treatment paired with conventional medicine to help treat diabetes. It is a mind-body therapy that uses physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

A study shows that yoga effectively reduces blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, yoga practices play a role even in preventing diabetes or reversing it in prediabetic people.

One hypothesis suggests that the noninvasive nature of yoga increases the number of insulin receptors in patients with diabetes.

As a result, it reduces fasting insulin levels and normalises the insulin-to-glucose ratio. Yoga improves insulin sensitivity or reduces insulin resistance by lowering levels of free fatty acids.

Since diabetes shows a link with weight gain, practising yoga offers additional weight loss benefits. Yoga therapy reduces body fat mass, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, and average body weight.

Massage therapy is a type of relaxation therapy in alternative treatments. A review study says that massaging at an insulin injection site increases serum insulin action, thereby reducing blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes.

Moreover, people did not report any adverse effects. Furthermore, receiving a massage for minutes every two days helps normalise blood glucose and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Massage therapy also helps reduce anxiety, headaches, depression, work stress and anger. The relaxing effect of massage controls stress hormones and permits the body to use insulin more effectively.

In addition, a full-body massage can stimulate better blood flow. As a result, improved blood circulation helps prevent or control diabetic-related complications.

Acupuncture is a common diabetes treatment approach in china. It is not only effective in treating diabetes but also prevents and manages its complications. In addition, people consider acupuncturing the best alternative treatment for chronic pain. The therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the pancreas will boost insulin synthesis and increase the number of insulin receptors.

As a result, the body accelerates glucose utilisation, resulting in low blood sugar. A study analysed the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and related techniques in diabetes.

As per the results, acupuncture shows an anti-obesity effect and reduces body weight by regulating hunger hormones. In addition, it suppresses insulin resistance and appetite to reduce food intake, possibly managing blood glucose levels.

Moreover, acupuncture treatment combined with hypoglycemic drugs adjusts the levels of diabetes-related hormones. It mainly acts on melatonin, insulin, glucocorticoid, and epinephrine.

Traditionally, numerous herbs work for the treatment of diabetes. Also, certain medicinal plants show anti-diabetic effects and hypoglycemic actions. In addition, they provide symptomatic relief and prevent the secondary complication of diabetes.

Over traditional herbs are present in the alternative treatment field for diabetes. However, only a small number of these have scientific evidence and medicinal evaluation. Besides the intense aromatic properties, fenugreek is a remedy for diabetes, particularly in India. In addition, a study shows that drinking 15 g of powdered fenugreek seed soaked in water can reduce postprandial glucose levels.

Postprandial means after a meal. Neem, also called Azadirachta indica , significantly decreases blood sugar levels and prevents glucose-induced hyperglycemia. If you are a diabetic patient, try to eat Neem leaves in their raw form, drink them in hot water or even as a powder.

Aqueous extract of neem leaves contains quercetin, a flavonoid that increases glucose uptake. As a result, it promotes improved blood sugar control. Bitter melon or Momordica charantia is a folk medicine for diabetes.

Drinking its fresh juice or eating unripe fruit shows blood sugar lowering action. Bitter melon contains charanti, an active substance with anti-diabetic properties.

It also includes an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p. These substances either work individually or together to help reduce blood sugar levels. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Careful management of type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. Consider these tips:. Many alternative medicine treatments claim to help people living with diabetes.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies haven't provided enough evidence to recommend any alternative therapies for blood sugar management. Research has shown the following results about popular supplements for type 2 diabetes:.

Talk to your health care provider before starting a dietary supplement or natural remedy. Do not replace your prescribed diabetes medicines with alternative medicines. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease, and following your diabetes treatment plan takes commitment.

To effectively manage diabetes, you may need a good support network. Anxiety and depression are common in people living with diabetes. Talking to a counselor or therapist may help you cope with the lifestyle changes and stress that come with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Support groups can be good sources of diabetes education, emotional support and helpful information, such as how to find local resources or where to find carbohydrate counts for a favorite restaurant.

If you're interested, your health care provider may be able to recommend a group in your area. You can visit the American Diabetes Association website to check out local activities and support groups for people living with type 2 diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association also offers online information and online forums where you can chat with others who are living with diabetes. You also can call the organization at DIABETES At your annual wellness visit, your health care provider can screen for diabetes and monitor and treat conditions that increase your risk of diabetes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a high BMI.

If you are seeing your health care provider because of symptoms that may be related to diabetes, you can prepare for your appointment by being ready to answer the following questions:.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your health care provider may begin a treatment plan. Or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders, called an endocrinologist.

Your care team also may include the following specialists:. Talk to your health care provider about referrals to other specialists who may be providing care. Before any appointment with a member of your treatment team, make sure you know whether there are any restrictions, such as not eating or drinking before taking a test.

Questions that you should regularly talk about with your health care provider or other members of the team include:. Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions at your appointments.

Those questions may include:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed using the glycated hemoglobin A1C test. Results are interpreted as follows: Below 5.

More Information A1C test Glucose tolerance test. More Information Medications for type 2 diabetes GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss Bariatric surgery Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty Gastric bypass Roux-en-Y Show more related information. Request an appointment. Thank you for subscribing!

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. More Information Caffeine: Does it affect blood sugar? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Show references Professional Practice Committee: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care.

Diabetes mellitus. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Dec. Melmed S, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology.

Elsevier; Diabetes overview. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic; Feldman M, et al. Surgical and endoscopic treatment of obesity. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management.

Accessed Oct. Hypersmolar hyperglycemic state HHS. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements: What the science says. Preventing diabetes problems.

Schillie S, et al. Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

MMWR Recommendations and Reports. Related Caffeine: Does it affect blood sugar? Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss Hyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes?

Medications for type 2 diabetes Show more related content. Associated Procedures A1C test Bariatric surgery Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty Gastric bypass Roux-en-Y Glucose tolerance test Show more associated procedures.

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They should watch their blood sugar levels carefully. Herbs and supplements are popular CAM therapies for people with diabetes. But the U. There are also no definitive studies that support treating diabetes with supplements.

Most support for these substances comes by word of mouth. Always speak with your doctor before you start taking any new supplements. In two clinical trials , researchers found participants who took aloe vera for six weeks had lowered fasting blood sugar.

The trials included long-term use of aloe vera. But there is concern about the impact of aloe vera taken orally , including its laxative effect. Alpha-lipoic acid ALA is an antioxidant found in foods like:. ALA might reduce nerve damage related to diabetes diabetic neuropathy.

Some studies support the use of this supplement for neuropathy. There is some evidence ALA has benefits when taken intravenously. People with diabetes lose more chromium in their urine than the general population. This may affect insulin resistance. One study found people taking a type of oral diabetes medication experienced improved control of blood sugar levels when they also took chromium supplements.

Studies on cinnamon show inconsistent results. According to the Mayo Clinic , some studies show cinnamon can enhance insulin sensitivity. Other studies have found no effects. If cinnamon is helpful, its benefits are minimal. Garlic Allium sativum is a popular supplement.

But research on its effects in people with diabetes is minimal. Some clinical trials found garlic lowered total cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels. Ginseng is a powerful herbal supplement.

It interacts with several medications, particularly warfarin. This is a medication doctors prescribe as a blood thinner. According to NCCIH , no current research supports taking ginseng. This Ayurvedic treatment involves chewing the leaves of the gymnema plant.

But clinical studies have yet to show its effectiveness. A meta-analysis of diabetes research related to magnesium found people with low magnesium levels were more likely to develop diabetes. Eating a diet rich in magnesium provides healthy foods and is risk-free.

But taking supplements is not recommended until clinical studies can prove its effectiveness. Supplements may help reduce heart disease and triglyceride levels.

Also, the supplements can interact with medications used to thin the blood. Polyphenols are antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Evidence on the effectiveness of a high-polyphenol diet has not produced conclusive findings.

Also known as nopal, prickly pear cactus is a plant used in cooking. It may also have medicinal effects. Evidence is not yet conclusive.

Vanadium can cause side effects in high doses. It can also be toxic at very high doses. The safety and efficacy of supplements are generally unknown.

Gurjeet S. Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches, Approachess, MPH, is an assistant professor in Importance of social connections for heart health Division of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health at Vanderbilt University Medical Types of eating disorders in Nashville, Tenn. Gloria Yeh, MD, MPH, is approachse associate professor in the Division for Research and Hreatment in Aporoaches and Integrative Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches Therapies tretment the Osher Research Center and in the Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. BirdeeGloria Yeh; Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies for Diabetes: A Clinical Review. Clin Diabetes 1 January ; 28 4 : — C omplementary and alternative medicine CAM refers to a wide range of clinical therapies outside of conventional medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a federal scientific agency for CAM research, categorizes CAM into five domains: biologically based practices, mind-body medicine, manipulation and body-based practices, energy medicine, and whole-medical systems Table 1. Diabetes is a treatmejt disorder in the endocrine system. It Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches appfoaches a Glucose supplements threat to worldwide health. According to Dianetes report by the National Diabetes Diabetes and alternative treatment approaches, Diabetds. populationand 8. A report by the Indian Diabetes Federation also showcases surprising numbers, estimating a total of about 90 million diabetes patients by There are multiple medications and medical interventions available to manage and treat diabetes, but there is no report on total recovery from diabetes up to this date.

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