Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Diabetes Management Among Older Adults in the United States: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE: The current review synthesizes literature on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in older adults with diabetes by applying Andersen's Behavioral Model to identify predisposing, enabling, and need factors, and health behaviors, with implications for research and practice. METHOD: Seven databases were searched for English articles (1990 to 2024) on older adults' CAM use in diabetes care. Some elements of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Garrard's Matrix Method were used. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were synthesized. Higher education and race were key predisposing factors, with CAM prevalence ranging from 25% annually to 88% daily. Disclosure was low. Need factors were mainly symptom relief. Common CAM categories included energy healing, prayer, herbs, and mind-body therapies. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed low disclosure yet substantially varied CAM use, emphasizing the need for clinicians to discuss CAM for safe diabetes care, and aligned with Andersen's model guiding communication. Qualitative research on CAM use and disclosure is vital for safe integration.