The treatment for diabetes is more often than not, conducted using conventional medicine. There are some people who appear to believe wholeheartedly in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment for diabetes.
CAM uses a variety of products and different practices, which may not be considered ‘mainstream’. The main difference between complementary medicine and alternate medicine is that complementary can be used as a complement to conventional treatments, where alternative medicine can be used instead of traditional or conventional treatments.
It is important to note that some CAM methods can be extremely beneficial whilst others can prove harmful if not conducted carefully under the watchful eye of your doctor. Diabetes is a very serious condition and should not be taken lightly.
Your doctor may be fully aware of some CAM methods and will be able to advise you accordingly.
The following describes some of the CAM methods currently available.
Guided Imagery – this technique aims to relax the mind as well as the body. It will allow you to develop an awareness of your body and the response to pain that you have. If you are a diabetic that has also suffered from nerve damage then this could be useful in the treatment for diabetes.
Acupuncture – involves needles being inserted into the body at various locations. This technique is useful to encourage the release of our body’s natural painkillers. Diabetics may often suffer from painful nerve damage, so this method can definitely help.
Magnesium – is useful for the proper functioning of the bones, nerves, muscles and the heart. The key role it can play in the treatment for diabetes is not quite clear at this stage, however it is believed to help in the regulation of glucose.
Ginseng – is available in abundance at the moment due to the increased interest in the use of this herb for a variety of ailments. It is not considered a definite help in the treatment for diabetes because the evidence gathered so far has not been extensive.
There are many other forms of CAM that you may also wish to try in consultation with your doctor and you may find one that works really well.
