Type 1 Diabetes: Living With Complications: Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

You may hear about products that promise a “cure” for type 1 diabetes complications. No such cure exists. Also, avoid products for diabetes that are advertised by "satisfied customers." These products or remedies may be harmful and costly. They also might cause you to delay or avoid getting treatments that do work. If you have questions about a product for treating diabetes, check with your local American Diabetes Association office, your doctor, or a diabetes educator.

Other types of meal plans

You may hear of people with diabetes following other types of meal plans or using low glycemic-index foods to control their blood sugar levels. Talk with a registered dietitian before trying one of these plans.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are used in addition to traditional treatment. Acupuncture and biofeedback are examples of treatments that may relieve stress and muscle tension. They can help you feel better overall, but they don't treat the underlying disease. Don't use complementary therapies alone to treat your diabetes or its complications. Ask your health professional which therapies might help in your particular situation.

Talk with your doctor before using these or other complementary or alternative therapies:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic therapy
• Herbal medicines and natural substances, such as antioxidants, vanadium, magnesium, or chromium. Soluble fiber may help keep your blood sugar levels close to a normal range.
• Osteopathy

Last updated:	November 18, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC