Traditional and Alternative Treatments for Diabetes, Essay Example

The American Diabetes Association estimates that 29.1 million Americans (approximately 9.3% of the total population) suffers from this serious disease (American Diabetes Association, 2014, p.1). So understanding treatments options, both traditional and alternative, is more important than ever.

Traditional Diabetes Treatment

Part of traditional diabetes treatment is with insulin or oral medications like Glucophage  to help control blood sugar (Mayo Clinic, 2013, p. 5). Another is following a diabetic diet which is high in vegetables, whole grains, and lean dairy and meat and low in sugar and starchy foods like potatoes (American Diabetes Association, 2014, p.12). The third treatment is regular, moderate exercise to lose weight and lower blood sugar (MedLine, 2013, p. 6).

Alternative Diabetes Treatment

There are also alternative therapies which diabetics can pursue to treat their condition. One of them is natural supplements including chromium, cinnamon, Vitamin D and alpha-lipoic acid (NIDDKD, 2010, p. 16).  Another is relaxation therapies like meditation to lower cortisol levels which effect the blood sugar (Healthline, 2010, p. 1).  A third is acupuncture, which helps to reduce blood sugar and also acts on the pancreas (Lo, 2003, p. 1).

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious condition and the number of people with this disease continues to grow. Therefore, knowing what therapies are available from traditional and alternative sources is very important for the people with this condition.

References

“Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Diabetes”. (2010). National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Web. 23 June 2014.

“Diabetes: Alternative Treatment”. (2010). Healthline Magazine. Web 23 June 2014.

“Diabetes and Exercise”. (2013). MedLine Plus, United States National Library of Medicine. Web. 23 June 2014.

“Diabetes Treatment and Drugs”. (2013). The Mayo Clinic Website.  Web. 23 June 2014.

Lo, Y. “Diabetes and Acupuncture.” (2003). Acupuncture Today Online Magazine. Web. 23 June 2014.

“What Can I Eat?” (2014). The American Diabetic Association Website. Web. 23 June 2014.