Diet, exercise, and stress management counseling may be the key to managing diabetes and helping patients feel optimistic about their disease, confirms a new study at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Kenmore, Wash.
Researchers compared two groups: One group of 369 adults with type 2 diabetes received conventional treatment of stress management, dietary supplements, and prescription medication. The second group of 40 adults received complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on top of the standard care provided by their doctors.
The CAM included exercise and diet counseling, and regular glucose monitoring from naturopathic physicians. Most of the patients in the study received stress-management counseling, dietary supplements, and other measures as part of the conventional care prescribed to them by their regular doctors.
After six months, researchers compared the two groups and their treatments. Those who bundled CAM with conventional care had lower blood-sugar levels, better eating and exercise habits, improved mood, and a stronger sense of control over their condition.
