Complementary &
Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Supplement Use in
People with Diabetes:
A CLINICIAN’S GUIDE
Chemical constituents, mechanism
of action, adverse effects, and
drug interactions for 36 commonly
used supplements.
Laura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, BCPS, FASCP, BC-ADM, CDE
Managing Editor, Book Publishing, Abe Ogden; Acquisitions Editor, Professional Books, Victor Van Beuren; Editor, Aime Ballard-Wood; Production Manager, Melissa Sprott; Composition, Aptara, Inc.; Cover Design, pixiedesign, llc; Printer, Transcontinental Printing.
© 2007 by the American Diabetes Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including duplication, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the American Diabetes Association.
Printed in the United States of America
1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2
The suggestions and information contained in this publication are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Recommendations and other policies of the American Diabetes Association, but they do not represent the policy or position of the Association or any of its boards or committees. Reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the American Diabetes Association cannot ensure the safety or efficacy of any product or service described in this publication. Individuals are advised to consult a physician or other appropriate health care professional before undertaking any diet or exercise program or taking any medication referred to in this publication. Professionals must use and apply their own professional judgment, experience, and training and should not rely solely on the information contained in this publication before prescribing any diet, exercise, or medication. The American Diabetes Association—its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and members—assumes no responsibility or liability for personal or other injury, loss, or damage that may result from the suggestions or information in this publication.
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For all other inquiries, please call 1-800-DIABETES.
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Alexandria, Virginia 22311
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Shane-McWhorter, Laura.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplement use in people with diabetes / Laura Shane-McWhorter.
p. ; cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-58040-296-5 (alk. paper)
1. Diabetes–Alternative treatment. 2. Dietary supplements. I. American Diabetes
Association. II. Title.
[DNLM: 1. Diabetes Mellitus–therapy. 2. Complementary Therapies–methods.
3. Dietary Supplements. 4. Plants, Medicinal. WK 815 S528c 2007]
RC661.A47S53 2007
616.4’6206–dc22
2007014526
eISBN: 978-1-58040-348-1
Contents
Reasons for Concern Regarding CAM Supplement Use
Epidemiology of CAM Supplement Use
Evaluating Claims from Manufacturers of Dietary Supplements
CAM Supplements Used for Diabetes and Its Complications
2. Botanical CAM Supplements to Treat Diabetes
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.)
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.)
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.)
Vijayasar (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. [Leguminoceae])