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Evaluate attitudes toward the use of complementary therapies and alternative medicine within mainstream healthcare delivery A1 3.1 & INCLUDE REFERENCES A2

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Evaluate attitudes toward the use of complementary therapies and alternative medicine within mainstream healthcare delivery A1 3.1 & INCLUDE REFERENCES A2

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Sally-Anne, Janai, Nikita & Kelsie

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At the end of your research activity, put all findings with supporting references on a poster. You will then present your poster to the class & answer questions about it

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At the end of your research activity, put all findings with supporting references on a poster. You will then present your poster to the class & answer questions about it

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Research activity Group 5: Explain the benefits of using acupuncture or chiropractor for back pain as opposed to analgesia. Why is this the better option for some individuals?

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Research activity Group 5: Explain the benefits of using acupuncture or chiropractor for back pain as opposed to analgesia. Why is this the better option for some individuals?

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Leila, Jericho & Georga

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Lewis, Ella & Giedre
Discuss the impact of hypnotherapy being used for sleep disorder instead of medication

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Gemma, Emily & Brooke
Analyse the impact of herbal remedies being used for depression & anxiety as opposed to antidepressant medication

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Lily, Hannah, Orsolya
Justify the use of complementary therapies & or alternative medicine for cancer

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Traditional Chinese Medicine. How does this work?

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Traditional Chinese Medicine. How does this work?

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Type answer

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Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient form of treatment that is gradually gaining acceptance in the western world.

In some parts of mainland China and Korea, far from being perceived as an alternative system, it is an integral part of the healthcare system.

It may be used by qualified professional Chinese doctors in the therapy of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Often conducted in conjunction with acupuncture, and based on several different principles and herbs, the treatment has been effective for diabetes sufferers in some instances.

Claims of Chinese medicine

TCM experts claim that the treatments must commence at an early stage in the development of diabetes to maximise its efficiency, however.

The key affects of TCM for diabetics is its ability to get the blood flowing around the body.

This improved level of circulation can be crucial to freeze or at least slow down the debilitating onset of diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy can be crippling and may result in amputation at advanced stages and at the very least causes swelling and pain.

This pain could potentially be reduced by TCM.

Further positive effects of TCM can include the stability of blood sugar levels for sufferers of Type 2, the key factor in diabetic health.

Working with the endocrine system

TCM does this by stimulating order within the endocrine system.

Acupuncture, the practise of inserting special needles (4-25mm long) into specific areas of the body to stimulate the functions of the organs, is also said to help in the treatment of diabetes.

The impacts of diabetic neuropathy may be halted through acupuncture. Also, importantly, treating the pancreas area (through several of the 500 acupuncture points located all over the body) with acupuncture has been shown to reduce the autoimmune component central to diabetes.

Acupuncture

There have been some claims that through the use of acupuncture, diabetics may need to use less insulin. Acupuncture of the ears may also be beneficial for type 2 diabetics to stimulate the nervous system.

TCM and acupuncture, although they have helped diabetics in the past, must be used carefully and after consultation. They should be used to complement existing conventional medical aid, and not on their own.

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Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Diabetes

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Chinese medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient form of treatment that is gradually gaining acceptance in the western world. In some parts of mainland China and Korea, far from being perceived as an alternative system, it is an integral part of the healthcare system.

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Does it work? What does it aim to prevent? Is there any evidence for this?

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Massage therapy

Massage therapy could be incorporated into relaxation therapy, but it also serves another purpose that can be particularly useful for people with diabetes.

Kneading carefully

By skilfully kneading the body's tissue, massage can stimulate better blood movement around the body.

Improved circulation can do wonders for diabetic neuropathy and other diabetes-related complications.

Massage takes many forms, some of which may be more suitable for diabetics than others.

Reflexology

Whilst some massages are particularly oriented towards massage, others are more specifically designed to reach different tissue areas.

Consult your health team

Once again, it is suggested that you consult closely with your healthcare team before using massage therapy as a diabetic, even for relaxation purposes.

Reflexology is a form of massage based on a number of bodily reflex points.

For more about finding a reflexologist, see the directory listing at the Association of Reflexologists.

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Massage therapy Massage therapy could be incorporated into relaxation therapy, but it also serves another purpose that can be particularly useful for people with diabetes. By skilfully kneading the body's tissue, massage can stimulate better blood movement around the body. Improved circulation can do wonders for diabetic neuropathy and other diabetes-related complications.

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What should the normal blood glucose be?

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What should the normal blood glucose be?

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Type in answer in the comment box below

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Blood glucose ranges for adults and children differ slightly

Understanding blood glucose level ranges can be a key part of diabetes self-management.

This page states 'normal' blood sugar ranges and blood sugar ranges for adults and children with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and blood sugar ranges to determine people with diabetes.

If a person with diabetes has a meter, test strips and is testing, it's important to know what the blood glucose level means.

Recommended blood glucose levels have a degree of interpretation for every individual and you should discuss this with your healthcare team.

In addition, women may be set target blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

The following ranges are guidelines provided by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) but each individual's target range should be agreed by their doctor or diabetic consultant.

Recommended target blood glucose level ranges

The NICE recommended target blood glucose levels are stated below for adults with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and children with type 1 diabetes.

In addition, the International Diabetes Federation's target ranges for people without diabetes is stated.

The table provides general guidance. An individual target set by your healthcare team is the one you should aim for.

*The non-diabetic figures are provided for information but are not part of NICE guidelines.

Normal and diabetic blood sugar ranges

For the majority of healthy individuals, normal blood sugar levels are as follows:

Between 4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L (72 to 99 mg/dL) when fasting

Up to 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) 2 hours after eating

For people with diabetes, blood sugar level targets are as follows:

Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes

After meals: under 9 mmol/L for people with type 1 diabetes and under 8.5mmol/L for people with type 2 diabetes

Blood sugar levels in diagnosing diabetes

The following table lays out criteria for diagnoses of diabetes and prediabetes.

Random plasma glucose test

A blood sample for a random plasma glucose test can be taken at any time. This doesn't require as much planning and is therefore used in the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when time is of the essence.

Fasting plasma glucose test

A fasting plasma glucose test is taken after at least eight hours of fasting and is therefore usually taken in the morning.

The NICE guidelines regard a fasting plasma glucose result of 5.5 to 6.9 mmol/l as putting someone at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly when accompanied by other risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

An oral glucose tolerance test involves taking a first taking a fasting sample of blood and then taking a very sweet drink containing 75g of glucose.

After having this drink you need to stay at rest until a further blood sample is taken after 2 hours.

HbA1c test for diabetes diagnosis

An HbA1c test does not directly measure the level of blood glucose, however, the result of the test is influenced by how high or low your blood glucose levels have tended to be over a period of 2 to 3 months.

Indications of diabetes or prediabetes are given under the following conditions:

Normal: Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%)

Prediabetes: 42 to 47 mmol/mol (6.0 to 6.4%)

Diabetes: 48 mmol/mol (6.5% or over)

There are two types of blood sugar levels that may be measured. The first is the blood glucose level we get from doing finger prick blood glucose tests. These give us a reading of how high our levels are at that very point in time.

The second is the HbA1c reading, which gives a good idea of our average control over a period of 2 to 3 months. The target blood glucose levels vary a little bit depending on your type of diabetes and between adults and children.

Where possible, try to achieve levels of between 4 and 7 mmol/L before meals and under 8.5 mmol/L after meals. The target level for HbA1c is under 48 mmol/mol (or 6.5% in the old units).

Research has shown that high blood glucose levels over time can lead to organ and circulation damage.

By monitoring blood glucose levels, we can spot when sugar levels are running high and can then take appropriate action to reduce them.

Keeping blood glucose above 4 mmol/l for people on insulin or certain medications for type 2 diabetes is important to prevent hypos occurring, which can be dangerous.

Your doctor may give you different targets. Children, older people and those at particular risk of hypoglycemia may be given wider targets.

Download a FREE blood glucose level chart for your phone, desktop or as a printout.

Why are good blood sugar levels important?

It is important that you control your blood glucose levels as well as you can as too high sugar levels for long periods of time increases the risk of diabetes complications developing.

Diabetes complications are health problems which include:

This list of problems may look scary but the main point to note is that the risk of these problems can be minimised through good blood glucose level control. Small improvements can make a big difference if you stay dedicated and maintain those improvements over most days.

Explore Blood Glucose Level Ranges

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Blood glucose ranges for adults and children differ slightly Understanding blood glucose level ranges can be a key part of diabetes self-management. This page states 'normal' blood sugar ranges and blood sugar ranges for adults and children with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and blood sugar ranges to determine people with diabetes.

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What should happen. How the pancreas secretes insulin in the absence of diabetes

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What should happen. How the pancreas secretes insulin in the absence of diabetes

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how does the pancreas secrete insulin - Google Search

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Are herbal remedies useful? If so, how do they work? Are they evidence-based?

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Are herbal remedies useful? If so, how do they work? Are they evidence-based?

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Type your answer in the comment box below

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Herbal remedies can assist in lowering blood glucose levels

Many common herbs and spices are claimed to have blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show potential links between herbal therapies and improved blood glucose control, which has led to an increase in people with diabetes using these more 'natural' ingredients to help manage their condition.

What herbal therapies are available?

Plant-based therapies that have been shown in some studies to have anti-diabetic properties include:

While such therapies are commonly used in ayurvedic and oriental medicine for treating serious conditions such as diabetes, many health experts in the west remain sceptical about their reported medical benefits.

In fact, because certain herbs, vitamins and supplements may interact with diabetes medications (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects, it is often argued that use of natural therapies could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels and raise the risk of other diabetes complications.

Whatever your intended reasons for using these specific herbs, you must always discuss your plans with your doctor and diabetes healthcare team first to ensure they are safe for your condition and determine a suitable dose.

Further herbal therapies

The herbs and plant derivatives listed below have been employed traditionally by native people in the treatment of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow.

Many suffer from an inadequate knowledge base.

Allium

Allium sativum is more commonly known as garlic, and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have directly linked allium with insulin and blood glucose levels, results have been positive.

Allium may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin. Limited data is available however, and further trials are needed.

Bauhinia forficata and Myrcia uniflora

Bauhinia forficata grows in South America, and is used in Brazilian herbal cures. This plant has been referred to as 'vegetable insulin'. Myrcia uniflora is also widely employed in South America. Studies utilising the herbs as tea infusions suggest that their hypoglycaemic effects are overrated.

Coccinia indica

Coccinia indica is also known as the 'ivy gourd' and grows wild across the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally employed in ayurverdic remedies, the herb has been found to contain insulin-mimetic properties (i.e; it mimics the function of insulin).

Significant changes in glycaemic control have been reported in studies involving coccinia indica, and experts believe that it should be studied further.

Ficus carica

Ficus carica, or fig-leaf, is well known as a diabetic remedy in Spain and South-western Europe, but its active component is unknown. Some studies on animals suggest that fig-leaf facilitates glucose uptake.

The efficacy of the plant is, however, still yet to be validated in the treatment of diabetes.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a collective name for a variety of different plant species.

In some studies utilising American ginseng, decreases in fasting blood glucose were reported. Varieties include Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng and Japanese ginseng.

In some fields the plant, particularly the panax species, are hailed as 'cure-all.' As is the case with many of the herbs employed around the world in the treatment of diabetics, further long-term studies are needed to verify the efficacy of ginseng.

Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is also employed in traditional ayurverdic medicine. The plant grows in the tropical forests of southern and central India, and has been linked with significant blood glucose lowering. Some studies in animals have even reported regeneration of islet cells and an increase in beta-cell function.

Momordica charantia

Momordica Charantia goes under a variety of names and is native to some areas of Asia, India, Africa and South America. Marketed as charantia, it is also known as karela or karolla and bitter melon. The herb may be prepared in a variety of different ways, and may be able to help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation and other processes.

Acute effects on blood glucose levels have also been reported.

Ocimum sanctum

Ocimum sanctum is an herb employed in traditional ayurverdic practises, and is commonly known as holy basil. A controlled clinical trial showed a positive effect on postprandial and fasting glucose, and experts predict that the herb could enhance the functioning of beta cells, and facilitate the insulin secretion process.

Opuntia streptacantha

Opuntia streptacantha (nopal) is commonly known as the prickly-pear cactus in the arid regions where it grows.

Inhabitants of the Mexican desert have traditionally employed the plant in glucose control. Intestinal glucose uptake may be affected by some properties of the plant, and animal studies have found significant decreases in postprandial glucose and HbA1c.

Once again, to validate the prickly-pear cactus as an effective means of aiding diabetic patients, long-term clinical trials are needed.

Silibum marianum

Silibum marianum is also known as milk thistle, and is a member of the aster family. Silymarin contains high concentrations of flavinoids and antioxidants, some of which may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance. The role of milk thistle in glycaemic control is little understood.

Trigonella foenum graecum

Trigonella foenum graecum is known as fenugreek and is widely grown in India, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean.

It is also a part of Ayurverdic treatment, and is used extensively in cooking.

Of the few non-controlled trials that have been carried out on type 2 diabetics, most report improved glycaemic control. Further study is certainly warranted.

Further herbs that have been studied, and may have positive effects for diabetic patients include:

Berberine

Cinnamomym tamala

Curry

Eugenia jambolana

Gingko

Phyllanthus amarus

Pterocarpus marsupium

Solanum torvum and

Vinca rosea

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Herbal and Natural Remedies for Diabetes

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Herbal remedies can assist in lowering blood glucose levels Many common herbs and spices are claimed to have blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

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Is this scientifically proven to reduce/prevent any complications of diabetes?

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Aromatherapy is a practice which involves using essential oils

Aromatherapy is the practice of utilising essential oils (extracted from plants and concentrated) to improve the condition of the mind or body.

Used alongside other treatments, aromatherapy can offer benefits to people with diabetes

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for medical or emotional benefits, has been around for centuries.

Essential oils are usually available in specialist and health shops, and it is claimed that different oils impact on the mind and body in different ways.

Oils may stimulate, relax, sedate, sanitise, anti-inflame, decongest and much more.
They are delivered to the body nasally through a vaporiser, a tissue or sometimes via a bath or massage.

The benefits and drawbacks of using aromatherapy to treat diabetes

There is some evidence that certain herbs - namely Asian ginseng, aloe, and fenugreek - can improve glucose tolerance when taken orally.

However, research isn't yet conclusive.

Neither have any studies found that either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can be cured using aromatherapy, and claims that it can are pseudoscientific.

That said, there is plenty of evidence that aromatherapy can improve diabetes management, primarily in an emotional sense.

Diabetes is a chronic condition, and the daily demands of blood glucose management can inflict an emotional "wear-and-tear" on people with diabetes.

There is a strong body of evidence that suggests aromatherapy can reduce diabetes-related stress, and ameliorate some other emotional problems.

Depression - which is twice as likely to affect people with diabetes - could also be addressed through aromatherapy: a 2009 study found that "aromatherapy could continue to be used as a complementary and alternative therapy for patients with depression and secondary depressive symptoms arising from various types of chronic medical conditions."

Aromatherapy can also be used to lessen the effects of some diabetic complications, specifically those affecting the skin, such as ulcers.

Similarly, aromatherapy can reduce infections, which in people with diabetes are often harder to shake. Essential oils are most useful for people with diabetes when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as massage therapy. Potentially therapeutic oils include Eucalyptus, Juniper and Geranium oils.

As with all new treatments for diabetes, you should consult your GP and diabetes healthcare team before using aromatherapy to help with diabetes.

Can aromatherapy be used to treat diabetes?

In short, yes. Used either on its own to reduce stress or along with medical treatment - in which case it can aid slow wound healing - aromatherapy is definitely something for people with diabetes to consider.

Aromatherapy only becomes problematic when people expect too much of it. It cannot cure diabetes, and the evidence that it improves glucose tolerance when taken orally is somewhat limited. It can never replace the need for more conventional diabetes treatments, such as insulin in people with type 1 diabetes.

But, as long as the user has realistic expectations of what aromatherapy can do for them, it can often improve the quality of life of people with diabetes, with benefits including stress reduction and a lowering of pain from diabetic neuropathy.

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Aromatherapy is a practice which involves using essential oils Aromatherapy is the practice of utilising essential oils (extracted from plants and concentrated) to improve the condition of the mind or body. Used alongside other treatments, aromatherapy can offer benefits to people with diabetes Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for medical or emotional benefits, has been around for centuries.

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