Book excerpt: This book brings together important information about complementary therapies and how they are used in diabetes care. It addresses the benefits and risks of complementary therapies and takes an evidence-based approach. Complementary Therapies and the Management of Diabetes and Vascular Disease: A Matter of Balance provides health professionals with appropriate information about complementary therapies so they can discuss these therapies with their patients and help them make informed decisions about their diabetes care. Managing diabetes depends on achieving life balance, not just metabolic control. This is the first book devoted exclusively to complementary therapies and diabetes, and it has several key features: It is an informative evidence-based text that will help health professionals understand complementary therapies commonly used by people with diabetes, their potential benefits, possible adverse events and how these could be minimised or prevented. It describes clinical practice guidelines for the safe combination of complementary and conventional therapies in diabetes management. It suggests appropriate advice to give people with diabetes and vascular disease about complementary therapies. Written by experts in the various fields, this book makes important reading for all health professionals managing patients with diabetes and associated vascular disease, including nurses, doctors, dietitians and podiatrists.