Alternative Treatments for Diabetes

Alternative treatments for diabetes include systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Some alternative treatments for diabetes include acupuncture, biofeedback, chromium, and ginseng. Overall, there have been few rigorous studies published on the use of these and other alternative treatments for diabetes.

 

Alternative Treatments for Diabetes: An Overview

Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of MD (medical doctor) or DO (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians. Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Some practitioners of conventional medicine are also practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine.
 
There are many different complementary and alternative treatments for diabetes and its complications. This article will not discuss them all. Overall, there have been few rigorous studies published on the use of complementary and alternative treatments for diabetes. Most of the literature has looked at herbal or other dietary supplements, which reflects the tradition in certain whole medical systems of using plant products with claimed effects on blood sugar.
 

Alternative Treatments for Diabetes: The Options

Some complementary and alternative treatments for diabetes include:
 
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Biofeedback
  • Chromium
  • Ginseng
  • Magnesium
  • Vanadium.
     
Acupuncture
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. This alternative treatment for diabetes has been shown to offer relief from chronic pain. Acupuncture is sometimes used by people with neuropathy, the painful nerve damage resulting from diabetes.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD