Naturopathic care can improve blood sugar, mood in diabetes
Group Health Research Institute
Group Health Research Institute is the research arm of Seattle-based Group Health Cooperative, a consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system. Founded in 1947, Group Health Cooperative coordinates health care and coverage. Group Health Research Institute changed its name from Group Health Center for Health Studies in 2009. Since 1983, the Institute has conducted nonproprietary public-interest research on preventing, diagnosing, and treating major health problems. Government and private research grants provide its main funding.
To effectively and safely apply such a wide range of therapies, naturopathic doctors are well-trained in potential interactions between medications and health-boosting natural vitamins and minerals, also known as nutraceuticals.
The great advantage of access to such a diverse collection of therapies is the ability of NDs to tailor treatment to each individual patient. This feature of naturopathic care is often the key to successful outcomes for diabetes patients who have experience of failing to respond satisfactorily to conventional medical treatment.
Bastyr University
Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute) and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, will open in San Diego, California, in fall 2012, becoming the state’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic medicine is a philosophybased, whole medical system. This description of naturopathic care can serve other health professionals in their referral recommendations. Naturopathic care for diabetes at this representative academic facility remains mostly adjunctive, although physicians possess the training and skills necessary to participate as primary care providers. The naturopathic treatment approach frequently includes important dietary and lifestyle recommendations included in current medical treatment guidelines for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, although improvements can be made on the precision of recommendations.
Nutritional and botanical supplements are frequently prescribed, and evidence is growing for their value in treatment. Because of the potential public health benefit, the use of supplements as adjuncts to conventional medications deserves research attention and funding. Prospective data collection and analysis on the naturopathic medical approach to diabetes care is vital in order to determine the impact of this novel approach on the personal and economic burden of type 2 diabetes.
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Bastyr University Research Institute