You will hear about products that promise a "cure" for type 1 diabetes. Avoid them. No such cure exists. Also, avoid products for treating diabetes that are advertised only by testimonials from satisfied customers. These products or remedies may be harmful and costly. They also might cause you to delay or avoid getting other forms of treatment that have been proven to work. If you have questions about a product for diabetes, check with your local American Diabetes Association office, your doctor, or a diabetes educator.

Other types of meal plans

You may hear of people with diabetes following other types of meal plans or using low glycemic index foods to prevent high blood sugar levels after meals. Low glycemic diets may have a small but helpful role in keeping blood sugar in a normal range.¹³ Talk with a registered dietitian before choosing one of these to plan your meals.

Complementary therapies

Other types of treatment for diabetes are provided by therapists or others who do not operate within mainstream medical practice. Their unconventional approaches may be attractive, particularly if you are not having much success with conventional medical treatments. None of these complementary therapies are proven to effectively treat diabetes.

But you may benefit from safe, nontraditional therapies that complement conventional medical treatment for your disease. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, or biofeedback, for instance, may help reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

You should not use complementary therapies alone to treat your diabetes.

Talk with your doctor if you are using the following or other complementary or alternative therapies:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic therapy
• Herbal medicines and natural substances, such as antioxidants, vanadium, magnesium, or chromium. Studies indicate that soluble fiber may help you keep your blood sugar levels within your target range.
• Osteopathy