Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods used in Adults with Diabetes in Turkey

Abstract

Specifically, type 2 diabetes carbohydrate is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with impaired fatty and protein metabolism. Type 2 diabetes has become an increasingly public health problem with an estimated prevalence of 285 million people globally (corresponding to 6.4% of the adult population in the world). According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projections, more than 550 million people are expected to receive diabetes until 2030 [1]. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide [2]. CAM encompasses all health systems, modalities, and practices other than those intrinsic to the politically dominant health system of a particular society or culture [3]. Among the most commonly used CAM treatments are nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, mental healing, naturopathy, manipulative body based therapy, energy therapy, massage therapy, hypnosis, music therapy and relaxation techniques [2,4]. Due to inadequate treatment regimens available in the US, 2-3.6 million people use complementary and alternative treatment for diabetes treatment [5]. CAMs are of interest in academic, industrial and economic areas due to their high usage frequency [4]. The use of CAM for the management of chronic diseases is becoming increasingly widespread and its use is influenced by the health belief system, culture and tradition, ethnicity, geography and family history [3]. Diabetic patients, one of the chronic illnesses are often able to take supplementary treatments in addition to medical treatments. In addition, it is stated that the rate of using CAM for diabetic patients is higher than other patient groups [6]. In studies conducted all over the world, CAM use was reported for more than two-thirds of the population [7]. Since 1990s, studies on the prevalence of CAM use among patients with diabetes mellitus are growing and the data showed that CAM is a popular choice for diabetes management [3]. These patients often consult with CAM practitioners or self-manage with CAM the rapies based on their own knowledge [2]. Because diabetes is an individual and multidimensional illness and life-long illness, it is thought that individuals lead other alternative practices besides medical treatment [8]. Cinnamon, garlic preparations, cemenia and multi-vitamins are herbal products commonly used among diabetics and researches continue to have hypoglycaemic effects. Body mind applications such as yoga and tai chi are also used by diabetic patients, but the long-term effects on glycemic control are unsatisfactory [7]. Furthermore, the scientific literature on the efficacy of CAM in the treatment of diabetes is relatively infrequent and diverse. On the spot use of persons with diabetes associated with CAM use, there is a concern that when used as a complementary treatment there is a risk of drug interactions and additional complications [9]. Mini Review