With the onset of early childhood and adult obesity and other factors, the threat of booming numbers of people with diabetes mellitus continues to grow. The use of conventional treatments such as insulin, general prescription drugs and other medical therapies continues to prevail; however more and more people seek alternative and complementary therapies to further enhance their present health conditions. This article explains the existing available therapies that are fast gaining popularity.

Worldwide, the number of diabetes patients continues to grow. From pre-school children to teens and adults, diabetes has become an epidemic. Many blame it on one’s genetic makeup which cannot be helped, or the chosen lifestyle of unhealthy foods and sedentary way of life. Once diagnosed with it, there is no other choice but live a life full of timed treatments and calculated therapies. Albeit efficient, these treatments, as the patients see it, could still be improved. Here now enters complementary and alternative treatments. Numerous studies show that with the advent of the seemingly helpful non-medical treatments usage among patients is increasing because of different reasons. They see it as a means of helping themselves not become entirely dependent on the medical treatments prescribed to them by their physicians.

Alternative Treatment

Food and Herbal Supplements

Many supplements have been out in the market for years, but up until today, only a few have undergone extensive evaluation. Some that have seemed promising will be discussed below – chromium, magnesium and vanadium. These three minerals have different effects on a diabetic patient. Of the three, chromium boasts the larger number of studies and testimonies about the improvement of insulin efficacy and blood glucose tolerance.

Magnesium therapy has only been given attention lately. Deficiency of magnesium in the diet raises risks of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other cardiovascular and renal diseases.

Magnesium deficiency among people with diabetes can be blamed on low magnesium intake plus the high magnesium renal excretion that usually happens. The drop in the levels of magnesium affects insulin secretion, and increase insulin resistance in the tissues. This might contribute to much more serious diabetes complications.

Deficiencies in chromium, potassium, magnesium and perhaps, zinc may worsen blood glucose tolerance, therefore supplementation in deficient individuals have been beneficial. Supplementation in non-deficient individuals, however, have been inconsistent and inconclusive.

If there is such a drug that caused quite a stir, then that would be vanadium. Rumor has it that this drug cured a patient of diabetes, and there were numerous studies backing this “fact”. However studies showed that the danger of this drug may be far greater than the good it supposedly brings.

Vanadium has been found to kill the body’s beta cells, which supplies the body with insulin. The low levels of beta cells in the body increases the risk of diabetes. Although it may heighten insulin sensitivity and lower blood pressure and cholesterol for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients, it still continues to block certain enzymes that can endanger a patient’s life.

Non-Medical Treatments

Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique that uses different monitoring devices to help a person alter involuntary bodily functions such as brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, or heart rate. This treatment emphasizes relaxation and stress reduction of patients, reducing the pressure that causes bad effects on a patient’s well-being.

Biofeedback is very helpful in treating neuropathy, a common complication among diabetic patients. In a study reported in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, sets of patients who were treated with both medical and biofeedback treatments were pitted against patients who only got medical treatments. The results were astounding; almost 90% of patients who were given biofeedback improved the blood circulation in their feet, preventing the occurrence of foot ulcers that could possibly lead to amputations.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of healing that originated from China. It involves hair-thin needles being inserted into the skin. Dr. Randy Dellosa, a psychiatrist, explains the connection of the treatment to diabetes, “Acupuncture can control the release of pancreatic hormones, thereby, maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Acupuncture also curbs the diabetic patient’s
excessive hunger and thirst, and frequent urination.”

Not only is it beneficial for diabetes patients, but it is also advisable for suffering from stress, depression, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. It balances the body’s energy system, and can reduce stress. Thus, acupuncture can be used for stress-related illnesses such as headaches, hyperacidity, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, acne, and asthma.

“Acupuncture is beneficial for the general public,” says Dr. Dellosa. However, caution is recommended for patients who have bleeding disorders and are old in age. Pregnant patients are also cautioned because some acupuncture points are abortifacient. Also, patients with pacemakers are suggested to not take acupuncture treatments with electro-stimulation.

Lifestyle Check Instead
Amid the various kinds of treatments for diabetes, majority of experts still suggest a complete lifestyle turnaround. Diabetes is a condition that cannot be cured through surgery or any drastic medical advances, instead, it demands dedication to living a healthy life, in order to prevent its numerous complications.

The treatments stated here may complement therapies given by your respective physicians. They cannot cure diabetes, but may make living with diabetes easier and more manageable. However, it is important that you inform your healthcare provider if you are employing any of these alternative therapies or using any herbal remedies as these may cause side effects or interact with your current regimen.

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