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Review
. 2024 Jun 8;16(6):e61965.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.61965. eCollection 2024 Jun.

The Role of Alternative Medicine in Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review

Billy McBenedict  1 , Andréa L Orfao  2 , Kang S Goh  3 , Ryan Chun C Yau  3 , Berley Alphonse  1 , Jonatha Machado Lima  1 , Hassan A Ahmed  4 , Gustavo P Ienaco  1 , Elaine Cristina de Souza  5 , Bruno Lima Pessôa  4 , Wilhelmina N Hauwanga  6 , Gabriella Valentim  2 , Magda de Souza Chagas  7 , Ana Abrahão  2
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Alternative Medicine in Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review

Billy McBenedict et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose levels, is increasingly prevalent globally, significantly impacting health-related quality of life. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production, presents a substantial public health challenge, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. Conventional treatments, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, are essential for glycemic control and preventing complications. However, adherence to these treatments is often limited, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers potential cost-effective and accessible approaches for managing T2DM. Key herbal remedies like cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon, along with dietary supplements like chromium, magnesium, and vanadium, have shown promise in glycemic control. Mind-body therapies, including yoga, tai chi, and meditation, contribute to improved hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Research supports the integration of CAM with conventional therapies, demonstrating enhanced clinical efficacy and reduced economic burden. However, challenges such as standardization, quality control, and potential risks of herbal medicines need careful consideration. Regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations are essential to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. Patient education and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients are crucial for integrating CAM into diabetes management. Empowerment-based interventions and collaborative approaches can enhance self-management skills and clinical outcomes. Overall, integrating CAM with conventional treatments offers a holistic approach to managing T2DM, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Keywords: alternative medicine; complementary medicine; glycemic control; herbal remedies; mind-body therapies; patient education; type 2 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. A mind map for the role of alternative medicine in managing type 2 diabetes
Generated with Miro Mind Mapping Tool. The mind map was constructed from the articles included in the review [6-56]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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