Avoid products that promise a cure for type 2 diabetes. No cure exists. Also avoid products that are advertised only by testimonials of satisfied customers. These products or remedies may be harmful and costly. 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 who follow meal plans other than those typically recommended by diabetes experts. Talk with a registered dietitian before you choose an alternate meal planning method for your or your child's diabetes diet.

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 is 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 relieve 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 vanadium, magnesium, or chromium. Studies indicate that soluble fiber, a natural substance, may help you keep blood sugar levels within a normal or near-normal range.
• Osteopathy