Impact of integrative therapies on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and global research landscape
Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires lifelong insulin therapy due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells, the difficulty of achieving ideal glycemic control despite advancements in conventional care has led to a rise interest in alternative and integrative medicine (CIM) practices like naturopathy, yoga, and Ayurveda.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of integrative therapies on glycemic control in individuals with T1DM and to map the global research landscape through bibliometric analysis.
Methods: Following PRISMA, a thorough literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. Included were studies evaluating CIM interventions for T1DM, such as yoga, naturopathy, and Ayurvedic treatments. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to synthesise the data, and bibliometric studies were conducted to evaluate country-level output, temporal trends, institutional contributions, and keyword network analysis.
Results: Out 612 screened records, 12 studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Integrative therapies showed adjunctive benefits to insulin therapy, including improved glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, stress reduction and quality of life. After 2023, bibliometric study showed a growing research trend, In the context of citation impact, Italy and Vietnam are leading, whereas India leads in publications. Keyword network analysis…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.