Introduction
Complementary and alternative medical therapies are treatments that are different from typical medical treatments (Western treatments). Complementary means that the therapy is used with Western treatments. Alternative means that the therapy is used instead of Western treatments.
Are these therapies safe?
Some of these therapies are usually safe. Others may be harmful. Often, there is not enough research to show how safe or effective a therapy is. If you want to try a complementary or alternative therapy, talk with your health care provider to make sure it is safe.
What are some therapies that are used to treat diabetes?
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into certain places on the skin. This is done by a professional. This is often used to relieve long-term (chronic) pain, especially of the bones and joints. It may help if you have painful nerve damage. …show more content…
It also helps you learn to deal with pain. Biofeedback is about relaxing and reducing stress. An example of a biofeedback technique is guided imagery. This involves creating peaceful images in your mind.
Chromium
Chromium is a substance that can help improve how insulin works. Chromium is in many foods, including whole grains, nuts, and egg yolks. Chromium may also be taken as a supplement. Taking chromium supplements may help control diabetes, especially if you have a lack (deficiency) of chromium. However, research has not proven this. If you have kidney problems, you should be careful with chromium supplements.
American ginseng
American ginseng is an herb that may lower glucose levels. It may lower glucose when you do not eat for periods of time (fast) and after you eat. It may also help lower A1c levels. More research is needed before recommendations for ginseng use can be
Complementary and alternative medical therapies are treatments that are different from typical medical treatments (Western treatments). Complementary means that the therapy is used with Western treatments. Alternative means that the therapy is used instead of Western treatments.
Are these therapies safe?
Some of these therapies are usually safe. Others may be harmful. Often, there is not enough research to show how safe or effective a therapy is. If you want to try a complementary or alternative therapy, talk with your health care provider to make sure it is safe.
What are some therapies that are used to treat diabetes?
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into certain places on the skin. This is done by a professional. This is often used to relieve long-term (chronic) pain, especially of the bones and joints. It may help if you have painful nerve damage. …show more content…
It also helps you learn to deal with pain. Biofeedback is about relaxing and reducing stress. An example of a biofeedback technique is guided imagery. This involves creating peaceful images in your mind.
Chromium
Chromium is a substance that can help improve how insulin works. Chromium is in many foods, including whole grains, nuts, and egg yolks. Chromium may also be taken as a supplement. Taking chromium supplements may help control diabetes, especially if you have a lack (deficiency) of chromium. However, research has not proven this. If you have kidney problems, you should be careful with chromium supplements.
American ginseng
American ginseng is an herb that may lower glucose levels. It may lower glucose when you do not eat for periods of time (fast) and after you eat. It may also help lower A1c levels. More research is needed before recommendations for ginseng use can be