Diabetes, Endocrinology and Healthcare

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) Therapies

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIHExternal NIH Link), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a "group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine." Complementary medicine is used with conventional medicine, whereas alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. Some people with diabetes use CAM therapies to treat diabetes. Although some of these therapies may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful. The category encompasses a variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. herbal supplements can help to control diabetes or its complication.