Complementary Therapies and the Management of Diabetes and Vascular Disease

People with diabetes frequently use complementary therapies to control blood glucose but also to manage symptoms associated with complications and intercurrent illness as well as in health prevention strategies. Managing diabetes depends on achieving life balance, not just metabolic control. The International Diabetes Federation chose the epitomy of balance, the Yin Yang symbol, as the World Diabetes Day logo in 2003. Complementary therapies cover a wide range, some with a good evidence base. This book provides an overview of the most commonly used of these therapies and discusses key issues for safe use by people with diabetes and associated vascular disease. Conventional practitioners need to ask whether patients are using complementary therapies as part of an holistic assessment and consider the potential interactions with conventional medicines. This is the first book devoted exclusively to complementary therapies and diabetes and has several key features: It is an informative evidence-based text that will help health professionals understand complementary therapies commonly used by people with diabetes, their potential benefits, possible adverse events and how these could be minimised or prevented. It describes clinical practice guidelines for the safe combination of complementary and conventional therapies in diabetes management. It suggests appropriate advice to give people with diabetes and vascular disease about complementary therapies. Written by experts in the various fields, this book makes important reading for all health professionals managing patients with diabetes and associated vascular disease, including nurses, doctors, dietitians and podiatrists.