Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications: Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

Avoid products that promise a cure for type 2 diabetes complications or are advertised by testimonials of satisfied customers. These products or remedies may be harmful and costly. If you have questions about a product for diabetes, check with your local American Diabetes Association office, your doctor, or a diabetes educator.

Other types of meal plans

Talk with a registered dietitian before following other types of meal plans or using low glycemic index foods to prevent high blood sugar levels after meals.

Complementary therapies

Other types of treatment for diabetes complications are provided by therapists or others who do not operate within mainstream medical practice. Their unconventional approaches may be attractive, particularly if you have complications from diabetes. None of these complementary therapies has been proven to be effective in treating diabetes or its complications. But you may benefit from safe nontraditional therapies that complement conventional medical treatment for your disease.

Do not use complementary therapies alone to treat your diabetes or its complications.

Talk with your doctor if you are using the following or other complementary or alternative therapies:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic therapy
• Herbal medicines and natural substances, such as antioxidants, vanadium, magnesium, or chromium. Studies indicate that soluble fiber may help you keep blood sugar levels within a normal or near-normal range.
• Osteopathy

Last updated:	August 09, 2007
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