Complementary Approach
This book is a humble attempt to examine diabetes from a holistic perspective and to demonstrate that natural medicine has an integral and valuable role in promoting the health and balance of the endocrine system. At the same time that we encourage the investigation of alternative naturopathic therapies for preventing, treating, and reversing diabetes, we support the ongoing dialog concerning the integration of naturopathic alternative and allopathic conventional medicine in a complementary practice. The well-being of the patient is foremost in such a complementary approach, with the politics of naturopathic and allopathic advocates put aside. With the support of the health care consuming public, governments must play a role in ensuring that genuine progress is made in promoting novel ways to blend alternative medicine and modern science for the promotion of health. This is especially important in a time of demographic shift to a more elderly population, rising rates of chronic disease, including diabetes, and the strain placed on the availability and cost of healthcare services. May we all better understand the art of medicine, the science of the human organism, and the need for compassion and understanding.
The intention of this book is to empower diabetics, your families, and your practitioners by giving you the information you need to make informed decisions on your treatment while incorporating healthy changes into your daily routine. As diabetes affects more and more people, the only way to halt the spread of this epidemic is to take control of our own health. Making changes in the way we live our lives today will have a definite impact on our future, individually and collectively.
In this book, you will find information to help you better understand the physiological causes of diabetes mellitus and its various associated disorders, as well as proven and practical ways to prevent and manage its complications. Clinical trials are included to demonstrate the potential for both nutraceutical and botanical medicine in diabetes treatment. New areas of research and the threat to populations deemed particularly high-risk for developing diabetes are also discussed. By integrating technical information, scientific studies, and realistic suggestions, the information is accessible no matter your level of knowledge. If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes and are feeling confused, simply skip to the sections that interest you or of most immediate benefit to you. You can always return to this book later when you have more of a grasp on your diabetes.
A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t need to discourage or isolate you if you view it as an occasion to make positive changes for your own health and the health of your family and friends. We trust this book can help you take the first steps.
