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November Is American Diabetes Month
There are 23.6 million adults and children in the United States living with diabetes. Conventional medical treatments are available to control diabetes and its complications. However, some people also try complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, including dietary supplements. An individual considering using CAM therapy, should talk to their health care providers to ensure safe and coordinated care.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
Fact Sheets
- CAM and Diabetes: A Focus on Dietary Supplements
- Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Diabetes (NIDDK)
Clinical Trials
The following NCCAM-sponsored studies are currently enrolling participants:
- Effect of EGCG on the Body's Response to Insulin
- Expressive Writing for Reducing Stress and Diabetic Symptoms in Diabetes Patients
- Study of the Naturopathic Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- View ALL NCCAM-sponsored diabetes clinical trials
Selected Publications by NCCAM Grantees
NCCAM has funded many basic and clinical studies related to diabetes. These articles are examples of the breadth of research the Center supports. To find more articles by NCCAM grantees, search PubMed.
- Yin J, Xing H, Ye J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008 May;57(5):712–7. PMID: 18442638
- Xie JT, Mchendale S, Yuan CS. Ginseng and diabetes. Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(3):397–404. Review. PMID: 16047557
- Alexander GK, Taylor AG, Innes KE, Kulbok P, Selfe TK. Contextualizing the effects of yoga therapy on diabetes management: a review of the social determinants of physical activity. Fam Community Health. 2008 Jul-Sep;31(3):228–39. Review. PMID: 18552604
More Resources
Researchers in the Diabetes Unit of NCCAM's Division of Intramural Research are studying many aspects of diabetes, including what happens when the body does not properly react to insulin. Current studies involve nutritional supplements and functional foods. Clinical protocols include evaluating effects of vitamin C, glucosamine, and dark chocolate to alter insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in a variety of important diseases including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Future laboratory and clinical studies may include investigations of magnesium, green tea, alpha-lipoic acid, and other nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, botanicals, and functional foods.
- More information on the dark chocolate study for lowering blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00099476.
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, the clearinghouse responds to inquiries, offers diabetes publications, and makes referrals. - Diabetes Information from Medline Plus
- Ayurvedic Interventions for Diabetes Mellitus: a systematic review
