The Role of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Pediatric Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus in Developing Countries and Case Series

“…Many herbal remedies have not undergone careful scientific assessment and some have the potential to cause serious toxic effects and major drug-to-drug interactions. Cultural and economic reasons are largely responsible for use of CAM [56]. Researchers have given several reasons for the increased prevalence of CAM utilization.…”

“…Patients are thus interested in finding an explanation for their symptoms or the root cause of their problems and therefore consult with alternative practitioners. In Nigeria, the use of herbal remedies are perceived to be cheaper, may be on the increase due to the poor economic state and the increasing costs of orthodox medicines also cultural and economic reasons are largely responsible for the use of CAM [56]. The use of alternative therapy has become more popular in both developed and developing countries in recent times [56].…”

“…In Nigeria, the use of herbal remedies are perceived to be cheaper, may be on the increase due to the poor economic state and the increasing costs of orthodox medicines also cultural and economic reasons are largely responsible for the use of CAM [56]. The use of alternative therapy has become more popular in both developed and developing countries in recent times [56]. There advertising strategies on the media and especially using vehicles with megaphone from one neighbourhood to another, which do not necessarily inform but persuade customers, have also made the use more popular [57].…”

“…CAM is also referred to as holistic or integrative and describes a heterogeneous collection of nontraditional therapies from chemical substances to prayer [58]. The frequency of utilization of CAM is increasing worldwide and is well documented in both African and global populations to be between 20 to 80% [56]. In chronic conditions in which health outcomes are closely linked to adherence to treatment in which diabetes mellitus is one of them, the use of CAM may potentially adversely affect outcome.…”

“…Traditional medicine or complementary and / or alternative medicine (CAM) refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illness or maintain well being [52], [53]. It describes a diverse group of medical and health care system practices and products not currently considered an integral part of conventional medicine [3], [54], [55] and are consequently not taught as part of the medical curriculum [56]. Traditional medicine is often referred to as complementary therapy when used in combination with orthodox medicine and alternative therapy when used in place of orthodox medicine [54], [57].…”