Positive Health Online

Abstract

GARROW and EGEDE, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon St., Suite 403, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA, have investigated the use of CAM by patients with diabetes.

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the association between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, preventive care practices, and use of conventional medical services among adults with diabetes.

Methodology

Data on 2,474 adults with diabetes were analyzed. The CAM therapies looked at were: diets, herbs, chiropractic care, yoga, relaxation, acupuncture, Ayuverda, biofeedback, chelation, energy healing, Reiki therapy, hypnosis, massage, naturopathy, and homeopathy. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of CAM use on preventive care and use of conventional medical services.

Results

A total of 48% of adults with diabetes used some form of CAM. CAM use was independently associated with receipt of pneumonia vaccination (odds ratio 1.56) but not significantly associated with receipt of influenza vaccination (odds ratio 1.17). CAM use was independently associated with visiting the emergency department (odds ratio 1.34), having six or more primary care visits (odds ratio 1.44), and having eight or more primary care visits (odds ratio 1.66).

Conclusion

CAM use may not be a barrier to use of conventional medical services in adults with diabetes.

References

Garrow D, Egede LE. Association between complementary and alternative medicine use, preventive care practices, and use of conventional medical services among adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care 29 (1): 15-19, Jan 2006