Complementary & Alternative Therapies

The facts are:

• As of the year 2004, the only way to treat type 1 diabetes is by replacing the hormone insulin, and the only way to give insulin is by injection.
• Children or teens with type 2 diabetes always require lifestyle changes including healthy eating, portion control, and regular physical activity, in order to work toward maintaining a healthy weight. Sometimes they require insulin injections or a prescribed medication that may be taken by mouth.

No complementary or alternative therapies will take away or treat the diabetes more effectively. If families do hear of an alternate treatment and are curious, they should discuss it with a member of their health care team prior to starting on the treatment. Under no circumstance should they discontinue the insulin injections.

Some people with diabetes find certain nutritional supplements make them feel better. These are probably not harmful, but shouldn’t be thought of as part of the diabetes routine. Check with a member of your health care team before using them.

	DIABETES A chronic metabolic disease in which the pancreas is not producing any or enough insulin or the body does not use insulin properly. Insulin is needed for the body to use blood glucose (sugar) for energy. There are several types of diabetes. Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes.

	TYPE 1 DIABETES A form of diabetes that usually begins in childhood, and requires treatment with insulin. The pancreas does not produce the insulin the body needs to properly use energy. It is also called Juvenile Diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes.

	TYPE 2 DIABETES A form of diabetes that usually develops as people age, and can often be managed through changes in diet and lifestyle. Type 2 is occurring increasingly often in teens, and even young children. The pancreas does not produce all the insulin his body needs, or else it is not properly using the insulin he has.

	INSULIN Hormone produced in the pancreas which is essential for normal metabolism of glucose. Metabolism is the term for the way cells chemically change food so it can be used to store energy, and make the proteins, fats and sugars needed by the body.