Alternative medicine is a health-related treatment that is not formally classified as a western medical practice. Also known as complementary medicine, alternative medicine can include dietary and lifestyle changes, and includes everything from acupuncture to supplement use. In some cases, alternative treatments are unproven or even dangerous, so it is important to identify the treatments that are safe and those which pose a potential treat. Always consult a physician before including alternative treatments into your diabetes management routine.

To illustrate this point, it is important to recall the Ephedrine (aka ma huang) ban in early 2003. It was the first herbal stimulant ever banned by the FDA. A popular component of anti-obesity medications, ephedrine was found to cause more harm than good, with side effects including insomnia, high blood pressure, glaucoma, urinary retention, and stroke. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you always consult a doctor before introducing alternative therapies into your health regimen.

Supplements. Perhaps the area in which you should take the most care is in the arena of supplements. There are many snake oil salesmen out there, happy to exploit your desire for better health. Here is a quick reference list of the supplements that are most frequently associated with diabetes management.

• Magnesium has been a subject of interest in medical circles for its potential for improving glucose levels, as a lack of magnesium has been correlated with abnormalities in insulin secretion.
• There have been several studies that support the use of chromium use for diabetes control, though there are no formal medical recommendations for its use in diabetes management.
• A few studies have suggested that vanadium, a plant derivative, can increase a person’s sensitivity to insulin.
• Some other supplements believed by some to manage diabetes include garlic, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn, and nettle. ALWAYS talk to your doctor before you introduce significant increases of these items into your diet.

Weight Management.Weight and diabetes are often linked, so weight management is frequently a corner-stone of diabetes treatment. Many diabetics turn to alternative therapies to help with weight loss. Some possible (though unproven and potentially dangerous) weight loss supplements include chitosan, momordica charanta, sauropus androgynus, aristolochic acid, camsogia garcinia (hydroxycitric acid), pyruvate, germander, momordica charanta, chromium, pyruvate, germander, and momordica charanta. ALWAYS discuss weight management with your personal physician prior to introducing any of these into your diet.

Plant and Natural Foods. Brewer’s yeast, buckwheat, broccoli and other related greens, okra, peas, fenugreek seeds, and sage are all examples of plant foods believed by some to help with diabetes management. The vast majority of plant foods are high in fiber which is certainly helpful in controlling both glucose levels and appetite. Likewise, a recent report in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that individuals who drank 3 to 4 cups of coffee (decaf or regular) had a 25 percent lower risk for diabetes than those who did not. Further studies are required, but there may be a link between the coffee bean and diabetes prevention.

Alternative Physical Therapies. Exercise is truly the only FDA-approved physical therapy, and even with exercise, it is important to consult a physician before implementing drastic changes to your exercise regimen. In addition to exercise, some alternative treatments include meditation, acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy, massage, and even hypnosis. Again, discuss these practices with your doctor before including them as they can be expensive and are not proven diabetes management tools.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

Diabetes patients on low incomes are at higher risk for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those who earn more, show results from a Canadian study.

Diabetes is known to be more prevalent among lower socioeconomic groups, whereas CVD has traditionally been inversely related to socioeconomic status, say researchers.

Doreen Rabi (University of Calgary, Alberta) investigated links between income and CV health in 4596 patients with diabetes who underwent cardiac catheterization in Calgary, Canada between January 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2002.

Suitable patients were identified using the Alberta Provincial Project for Assessing Outcomes in Coronary Heart Disease (APPROACH) database, which was then merged with the Canadian 2001 Census data on median household income per dissemination area using patient postal code data and income quintiles. Degree and severity of CVD were compared across different income quintiles.

As reported in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, the team found that lowest income group was highly significantly more likely to have a history of myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure than the highest income group.

Those in the lowest income quintile also had significantly more coronary atherosclerosis than the highest income quintile, as measured by the weighted Duke index, at 7.38 versus 6.67, respectively. Of note, lesion severity did not differ significantly between these two groups at 2.41 versus 2.31 on the Duke severity scale.

Rabi and colleagues found that lowest income patients had significantly higher myocardial jeopardy (the amount of myocardium calculated to be at significant risk for ischemia and ischemic injury) than highest income patients using both Duke and APPROACH scores, at 46.23 versus 36.44 and 45.36 versus 39.96, respectively.

The results show that “low income, diabetic patients in a Canadian city have more atherosclerosis than their wealthier counterparts,” conclude the authors.

“Clearly, more needs to be done to improve the health outcomes of the economically disadvantaged,” they say.

“Healthcare providers and policy makers need to be more cognizant of health risks associated with low income, so that we may be more proactive in preventing poor health outcomes in this vulnerable population.”

MedWire (www.medwire-news.md) is an independent clinical news service provided by Current Medicine Group, a trading division of Springer Healthcare Limited. © Springer Healthcare Ltd; 2010

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Recently, it was 36 degrees in Miami, Florida, a record low temperature last seen in 1928! Most of the rest of the country was also in a deep cold snap, but were much more prepared than those of us in Florida. Being prepared is key to many things, including when people with diabetes deal with proper foot care, especially during the winter.Here is your winter foot care list to prevent any foot injuries or complications:

• Blood Sugar Control - Maintain healthy BG levels and try to achieve an A1C of 6.5%-7.0% at all times. This can delay small vessel disease, which includes the eyes, kidneys, and feet.
• Daily Foot Exams - This is a MUST - especially for those with neuropathy. Perform a foot exam at the same time each day, including the soles of the feet. It is necessary to identify any color change (red or purple), blisters, open sores, swelling red streaks, peeling or cracking. For those who can not see the soles of their feet, you can use hand-held long-arm mirror to inspect your feet. Check toenails to see if they have fungus or are ingrown or have infections.
• Keep Feet Clean and Dry - Wash feet daily with lukewarm water at 90 degrees or less. Use a mild hypoallergenic soap with a soft wash cloth or sponge. Do not soak feet for longer than 10 minutes. Dry skin carefully by patting, not rubbing. Make sure to dry between each toe which reduces the risk of fungus or athletes’ foot.
• Moisturize and Hydrate - Diabetes can damage the nerves, causing you to perspire less, which leaves your feet very dry. This can cause itching, peeling, and a risk of infection due to cracks in the skin. A good moisturizer can be a friend to your feet. The best time to apply moisturizer is when the skin is damp from a bath or shower. Apply cream on the top and bottom of the foot, but not between the toes to lessen risk of fungus forming. Drink plenty of water during the day - indoor heat can cause dehydration.
• Proper Nail Trimming - Nails should be trimmed straight across with a nail clipper. File any rough edges with a nail file. If you can not reach your toe nails or they are thick, splitting, or yellow, please consult a podiatrist.
• Wear Clean, Dry Socks - Socks are a MUST. Make sure the sock fits properly, not too tight or too loose, which can cause rubbing and irritation. Make sure you NEVER go barefoot even indoors. Socks should be made of mixed fibers such as cotton and acrylic and not nylon. This will help wick any perspiration from your skin. Avoid socks that have tight elastic bands or that are thick or bulky. Avoid wearing socks with thick seams at the toe. This can cause irritation.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes - Avoid wearing tight toe boxes and high heels. Pointy high heels are dangerous for your feet and promote bunions that may require surgery in the future. Wear waterproof boots in the rain and warm boots in the cold.
• Treat Wounds Quickly - Even the smallest cut or scrape can cause an infection, so use a topical antibiotic ointment after washing with mild soap. If it does not improve within a few days, a visit to the podiatrist is necessary. Do not use over the counter corn, callus or wart remover. These chemicals can burn or damage the skin - instead, consult a podiatrist.

Your feet help you all day long. Give them the best care you can!