5 Complementary Therapies for Diabetes Management

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5 Complementary Therapies for Diabetes Management

A nuisance that brings more nuisances. That’s diabetes for you. 

Sometimes, your regular conventional treatments may forget to deal with the symptoms and underlying issues the disorder leaves.

This triggers sufferers to resort to complementary therapies. 

A 2017 study found that– 

“Nearly 90% of diabetic patients used at least one complementary treatment the previous year.” 

The reason for this prevalence lies in their efficiency. 

Such therapies, combined with conventional ones, help heal diabetes-related damage and improve overall well-being. They do that through multiple targets. 

For this, you get to see several options for complementary therapies that help manage diabetes. 

About Complementary Therapies

What Is It? 

A treatment that complements other fellow treatments. 

Complementary therapies are energy-focused techniques. They work alongside traditional medicines or treatments. Some common ones are– 

• Acupuncture
• Photoimbulation Therapy
• Yoga and Meditation
• Dietary Supplements
• Herbal Remedies
• Massage Therapy 

They don’t just prioritize the symptoms of a condition. Instead, the therapies–

• Address the root causes
• Target the symptoms
• Focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit 

This helps enhance the efficiency of both treatments and eventually heal the issue. 

The goal is simple–

• To support your well-being and 
• To improve your quality of life

However, it’s different when it comes to Diabetes. 

Complementary therapies can’t cure the disorder. They rather help manage stress, improve blood sugar control, and boost overall health.

History

The concept of such techniques is pretty old. It’s just the options that evolved and changed over the years.

It started with Homeopathy mostly. Legends call it one of the oldest forms of complementary therapies. 

Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, founded this method. He first practiced it in the 18th century. 

Eventually, we see a leap of multiple modern therapies working as complementary. 

Difference Between Complementary and Alternative Medicine

How Do Complementary Therapies Complement Traditional Diabetes Treatments?

Complementary Therapies simply work together with other techniques. 

Such methods address underlying issues instead of just treating external symptoms. They help—

• Reduce stress
• Lower inflammation
• Improve blood sugar control
• Fix sleep quality
• Support better mood 

This helps make traditional diabetes treatments like medication and insulin more effective. 

Together, the complementary therapies work to create a HOLISTIC APPROACH to diabetes management. 

Result: A big improvement in physical and mental health. 

Popular Complementary Therapies for Diabetes

Acupuncture

Call it a traditional Chinese medicine. 

Acupuncture is simply a therapeutic treatment. Here, you use super thin steel needles to insert into the skin. This helps stimulate specific points throughout your body and balance energy. 

Perks For Diabetes

Studies have shown how acupuncture helps manage diabetes. 

The technique targets different issues that diabetes brings and works to fix them. The method works by stimulating the central nervous system. 

This helps release good chemicals into your–

• Muscles
• Spinal cord
• Brain

Eventually, it promotes the body’s natural healing abilities. 

For diabetes, acupuncture has managed to–

• Lower blood sugar levels
• Reduce diabetes side-effects
• Improve blood flow
• Relieves pain and inflammation 
• Decrease stress level
• Strengthen your heart’s ability to pump blood
• Stimulate nerve function

Because the therapy manages diabetes differently, it helps improve insulin regulation. 

Scientific Evidence 

Yoga and Meditation

Two different therapies, two different approaches, and one purpose.

That sums up both Yoga and Meditation. 

Yoga mainly combines– mental, physical, and spiritual practices. It involves different tricks that help build strength and flexibility. These are– 

• Postures
• Breathing exercises
• Relaxation techniques

Meanwhile, meditation is a mind-focused practice. It often combines mental and physical techniques to help clear the mind.

Perks For Diabetes 

Both the methods work as a great tool for diabetes management. 

Several studies have assessed the function of both techniques and found that both help manage diabetes-related issues. 

As per one study–

“Yoga helps decrease blood sugar levels and keeps diabetes under control.” 

On the other hand, another study highlights-

“Meditation can improve glycemic control. It can enhance the quality of life in people with diabetes.” 

Diabetes-Friendly Practices

• Yoga poses: Cat-Cow stretch and Child Posture can improve circulation and reduce stress.
• Mindfulness exercises: Deep breathing can help lower stress hormones.

Scientific Evidence 

Dietary Supplements

Products that carry nutrients and health benefits. 

Dietary Supplements are products that bear primary ingredients like– 

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Herbs
• Botanicals
• And other compounds

This may come in the form of a–

• Pill
• Capsule
• Tablet
• Powder
• Liquid 

The main function of these complementary therapies is to supplement a person’s diet.

Perks For Diabetes 

Several dietary supplements are there that focus on diabetes management. This includes– 

Chromium, magnesium, and cinnamon. 

Each helps with such disorders differently. For instance– 

• Magnesium

Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar by 37%.

• Chromium

Controls insulin levels in those with diabetes. 

• Cinnamon

Improves glycemic indices and lipid profile in diabetes patients. 

Note:

Talk to a professional before grabbing supplements. They might interact with your essential medications and cause interference. 

Scientific Evidence

Herbal Remedies

All about nature.

Herbal remedies use plants or plant extracts to–

• Improve health
• Prevent disease
• Treat/reduce illness

These can be–

• Leaves
• Roots
• Stems
• Flowers
• Seeds
• Other forms of herbs 

It’s the bioactive compounds inside the ingredients that do the job mainly. You get several therapeutic benefits with these compounds like–

• Glycosides
• Phenolics
• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Terpenoids

Perks For Diabetes 

Many studies mention how herbal remedies help fix and manage diabetes side effects. 

Some remedies use certain bioactive content to target such conditions. The ingredients are– 

Fenugreek

Helps lower plasma glucose levels and prevent blood sugar spikes. 

Bitter Melon

Helps enhance insulin sensitivity and promote post-meal insulin secretion

Aloe Vera

Helps reduce fasting blood glucose

Scientific Evidence

Massage Therapy

A kind of integrative medicine.

Massage therapy is another therapeutic method. Here– you press, rub, and put pressure on the soft tissues. These include your— 

• Skin
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Joints
• Ligaments 

The intensity of massage can range from light stroking to deep pressure. These help promote relaxation, treat painful muscular conditions, circulate blood, and reduce stress/anxiety. 

Perks For Diabetes 

Several instances in research show how massage therapy helps with diabetes management. It targets different issues left by the condition and helps relieve the side effects. 

As mentioned, massaging the pain points helps–

• Accelerate blood flow
• Manage stress level
• Lower blood glucose
• Improve neuropathic pain 
• Heal diabetic foot ulcer

Scientific Evidence

Do Complementary Therapies Work?

Mostly, yes. 

The main focus of Complementary Therapies is to work with other techniques and make the healing process more effective. 

Then again, this doesn’t mean all sorts of CT will be equally effective. 

For instance- 

• Yoga, acupuncture, and massage have strong evidence showing their perks for diabetes management. 
• OTOH, dietary supplements and herbal remedies have mixed results. 

However, the result may vary based on— the person, their lifestyle, and other hidden conditions. 

3 Benefits of Complementary Therapies in Diabetes Management

1. Enhancing Quality of Life

Some Complementary Therapies focus strongly on overall well-being.

Yoga and massage are a few of them. 

These techniques address both physical and mental challenges that worsen diabetes. They improve flexibility, better support blood sugar control, reduce stress, and boost energy. 

Eventually, this helps make daily life more manageable and enjoyable. 

2. Addressing Mental Well-being

Let’s talk about something about mental health.

Managing diabetes is quite overwhelming for the sufferers.

This can lead to extra struggles like–

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression

Complementary therapies help you deal with that. They focus on calming the mind and reducing emotional strain. 

Techniques like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are most efficient in this case. 

They address mental health and make it easier to stick to treatment plans. 

3. Reducing Side Effects of Conventional Methods

Conventional diabetes treatments carry different side effects. It’s true for both surgeries and medicines. 

Some common ones are— nausea, upset stomach, weight gain, uncontrollable blood sugar, and fatigue. 

Complementary therapies help ease these side effects of diabetes medications. They work with traditional treatments, target symptoms, and underlying issues, and make managing diabetes more efficient. 

Potential Risks and Limitations 

Medication Interaction

Some therapies like herbs and supplements can affect how diabetes medications work. Ginseng is one herbal remedy known for such issues.

The interaction can lead to blood sugar spikes or drops. 

Unproven Claims

There’s still no cure for diabetes yet. 

Even if some therapies claim to make a miracle happen, DON’T BELIEVE. Those are misleading and can prevent proper medical care. 

Side Effects

Something therapeutic doesn’t always have to be safe. 

Herbal and supplements carry potential side effects despite offering visible diabetes management benefits. They can even cause allergies and digestive issues. 

Delayed Treatment

Don’t rely only on these therapies. This can delay essential medical care and worsen diabetes complications. 

Why Professional Guidance Matters?

• Ensures safety and prevents medication conflicts.
• Recommends the right dosage and proven options.
• Monitors progress and tailors complementary therapies to your needs. 

How to Integrate Complementary Therapies into Your Diabetes Care Plan?

Scour The Net and Research

Take time to learn about several therapies and types. Know how they can help you.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Talk to an expert and discuss your interest in these therapies. Get professional advice personalized to your needs.

Choose One or Two

Start slowly. Try therapies one by one. Then add another one eventually. 

Set Goals

Have realistic goals. Make sure to list the ones that are possible to achieve through these complementary therapies. 

Monitor Progress

Keep track of your blood sugar levels. It’s better to have a journal. Observe overall well-being.

Stay Consistent

Make this stuff a regular part of your life. Get the best results. 

Real-Life Success Stories

Case Study 1

The study was done on 154 adult T2DM patients to explore the use of Complementary Therapies among them. [Source: e-journal]

CT Used: Herbs and mind-body intervention

Result: Reduction in blood glucose, healthy body maintenance, and relief from symptoms of diabetes management.

Case Study 2

A case study was done on a 74-year-old woman. She was suffering from numbness, stiffness, and constant pain in her feet. The woman also had a medical history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes for 14 years. 

CT Used: Acupuncture

Result: Decrease in pain. Increase in energy. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Therapies For Diabetes Management 

What are complementary therapies for diabetes?

A therapeutic technique that works with traditional treatments of diabetes. These explain complementary therapies. 

They help enhance the efficiency of diabetes medications, target underlying issues, and help fix side effects. Some CTs for diabetes are acupuncture, yoga, and dietary supplements. 

Are these therapies scientifically proven?

Not all of them. Yoga, acupuncture, and massage have strong evidence supporting their benefits for diabetes management. Herbal remedies and dietary supplements have mixed results. 

Can complementary therapies replace insulin or medication?

No. Complementary therapies can never replace insulin or medication.

They can only complement traditional treatments. 

What are the risks of alternative diabetes treatments?

Alternative diabetes treatments have bigger risks. These include blood sugar spikes or drops, side effects, and life-threatening situations. 

How do I incorporate these therapies into my daily routine?

Research and learn about the complementary therapy options. Then talk to an expert and get proper advice. Add 1 or 2 options but gradually. That’s how you can incorporate them into your routine.