Homeopathy treatment is based on the use of highly diluted substances. Scientific research has shown homeopathic medicine to have no evidence of benefit beyond a placebo effect.
Homeopathy should not be used to treat any type of diabetes or diabetes related complications. It must not replace any prescription medication you are currently taking.
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy was developed in Germany and has been used for more than 200 years.
A homeopath will select the most appropriate medicines for you based on your symptoms, then heavily dilute and shake these substances in water.
Whilst practitioners claim these substances can be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, research shows no scientific evidence that the treatments are any better than using a placebo.
A placebo effect is when people experience a benefit that is psychological and not brought on by any therapeutic effect of the medication.
Does homeopathy work?
There is no evidence to support the use of homeopathy for treating medical conditions.
In the UK, the House of Commons’ Science and Technology Committee called for the NHS to withdraw funding of homeopathy; concluding that there was no evidence that homeopathy works beyond a placebo effect.
The British Medical Association supports the view that homeopathy is not supported by evidence and therefore should not be funded on the NHS. [280]
It is not only the UK that has found no scientific basis for homeopathy. The Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council states in a 2015 review:
“Based on the assessment of the evidence of effectiveness of homeopathy, NHMRC concludes that there are no health conditions for which there is reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective.
“Homeopathy should not be used to treat health conditions that are chronic, serious, or could become serious. People who choose homeopathy may put their health at risk if they reject or delay treatments for which there is good evidence for safety and effectiveness.” [281]
Availability
Despite the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy, many health shops and pharmacies sell homeopathic tablets or other remedies.
There is no legal regulation of homeopathic practitioners in the UK, and no qualifications or experience is needed to practice homeopathy.
If you are considering homeopathy for your diabetes, you should first consult your healthcare team. Do not stop taking any diabetes medication as this can put you in danger.
