Homeopathy: how can it assist people living with diabetes?

Homoepath Dr Jessica Leske helps us understand how homeopathy can help people living with diabetes.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine. The word homoeopathy is derived from the Greek word homoios, meaning like, and pathos meaning suffering. In treating an illness, it takes into account the unique mental, emotional and physical characteristics of the patient.

Homeopathy is based on the principle of “likes cure likes.” That is, an illness should be treated by a substance capable of producing similar symptoms to those being suffered by the patient.

When the homeopathic remedy, made from the plant, mineral or animal kingdoms, that most closely matches the patient’s symptoms is prescribed, it will activate the body’s defence system and the body will start to heal itself.

Homeopathically prepared remedies are safe, non-toxic and can be administered during pregnancy and to new-born babies. The safety and efficacy has been proven by the worldwide support and interest of patients and health professionals and by research and clinical trials in related areas. Homeopathy is a system of medicine with which any medical condition has the potential to be treated.

Homeopathy is classified as complimentary medicine, meaning it can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and homeopathy compliments it

A poor diet and lifestyle, stress, bad habits, environmental stressors e.g. pesticides, pollution, etc. will slow the healing process as the body may not be able to function optimally. These factors are taken into consideration and are addressed during a consultation with a homeopath. This implies that the patient needs to take responsibility and be actively involved in the healing process by adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Diabetes treatment

The goals of diabetes treatment are to control blood glucose levels, eliminate symptoms and to prevent, or at least, slow the development of diabetic complications.

Once a homeopath has got a full case history and a physical examination has been done, blood tests may be required. Depending on these findings, a homeopath may advise that a particular diet, or way of eating is followed. This may include eliminating refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, potatoes), sugar, fried foods and alcohol from the diet as well as increasing consumption of vegetables and some fruits, and increasing fibre-rich foods, such as wholegrains and pulses. A homeopath may also advise lifestyle modifications, such as increasing activity levels and stress reduction, etc.

Homeopathic diabetes medications

In combination with dietary and lifestyle interventions, some medications may be prescribed. Medicines may include either a single homeopathic remedy e.g. Syzygium jambolanum, Helonias dioica, Iodum; herbal medicines, such as Berberine, Bitter melon; or nutraceuticals (these are combinations of herbals, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and/or glandular extracts), all in aid of lowering and/or controlling blood glucose levels and diabetic complications.

.

Each approach has its own scope and limitations and therefore a homeopath has to make a decision as to which approach is best for the particular patient. This largely depends on the patient’s general health, complications and organs/systems affected, age, and duration of illness.

Working together

A homeopath will generally refer diabetes patients to a GP or endocrinologist if we can’t get the blood glucose levels under control. Often patients consult with both a GP/endocrinologist and a homeopath and we can both manage the cases.

Type 1 diabetes is impossible to treat without insulin, but homeopaths can advise in terms of diet and assist in improving general health, but not solely treating diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients can use homeopathy, but again if blood glucose levels are out of control, they may use a combination of homeopathy and pharmaceutical meds.

Header image by FreePik