Alternative Treatment 5

In general, be VERY skeptical of claims that herbal or alternative therapies can replace insulin treatment in cats or dogs. Please note that many of the charlatans and scammers discussed in this article had ads appearing on this wiki. See the phrases they use to try to hook you at Ad scams and Ad scams 2.

Some direct quotes from an abstract from Ohio State University about alternative treatments:

"Quackery is defined as "Promotion, for profit, of devices, services, plans or products that do not work, or which are untested." "Quackery can delay a person from seeking care for their pet’s problem, be dangerous itself, and delay legitimate research to find an effective cure." "Be wary of "experts" who say that: They or their products can produce miracles. Offer only testimonials to support their claims. (and only positive ones) They have something to sell you. (usually at a handsome profit)"

Some advice from the US Federal Trade Commission on how to spot false claims in health care products:

"When evaluating health-related claims, be skeptical. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Here are some signs of a fraudulent claim: "Statements that the product is a quick and effective cure-all or diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments. For example: "Extremely beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, heart trouble, hardening of the arteries and more." "Statements that suggest the product can treat or cure diseases. For example: "shrinks tumors" or "cures impotency." "Promotions that use words like "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret ingredient" or "ancient remedy." For example: "A revolutionary innovation formulated by using proven principles of natural health-based medical science." "Text that uses impressive-sounding terms like these for a weight-loss product: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis." "Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results. For example: "My husband has Alzheimer['s disease]. He began eating a teaspoonful of this product each day. And now in just 22 days he mowed the grass, cleaned out the garage, weeded the flower beds and we take our morning walk again." "Limited availability and advance payment requirements. For example: "Hurry. This offer will not last. Send us a check now to reserve your supply." "Promises of no-risk "money-back guarantees." For example: "If after 30 days you have not lost at least 4 pounds each week, your uncashed check will be returned to you.""

More Players--"Alternative Treatment #5" & "Alternative Treatment #8"

Again, the human diabetes scams and the pet ones are closely linked. "Alternative Treatment #5", code name NR/PA/GB is aimed at both canine and feline diabetes. "Alternative Treatment #8", code name IP, is pitched to humans. This time it's a clinical psychologist and homeopath trying to treat canine, feline and human diabetes.

"Alternative Treatment #5" vs "Alternative treatment #8"

Alternative Treatment #5's webpage:
"There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the use of carefully chosen herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help to both prevent diabetes and to keep it under control in animals who have already developed it."
"How long until I see results?"
"Degree and speed of improvement differs from animal to animal, depending on many factors. With regular use, you should begin to notice a general improvement in health within 3 - 6 weeks - as well as a reduction in diabetes related conditions."
"Along with the correct lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and dietary supplements can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medication and can also aid in preventing some of the tissue and organ damage associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels."
*"Caution: Safety during pregnancy and nursing has not yet been established." It is also not established that the product is safe to ingest at all, nor will it be because those selling it are making money without their product being FDA-approved as a drug.
"Remember that diabetes is best treated holistically, with medication, diet and lifestyle factors all receiving equal attention."

Alternative Treatment #8's webpage:
"There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the use of carefully chosen herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help to both prevent diabetes and to keep it under control in those who have already developed it."
"How long until I see results?"
"Individual response to HUMAN PRODUCT will differ based on lifestyle and dietary factors, but benefits should be noted within 3 - 6 weeks.
"Along with the correct lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and dietary supplements can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medication and can also aid in preventing some of the tissue and organ damage associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels."
"Caution: Safety in pregnancy has not yet been established." And safety for either of these products across the board will never be established--because they are unapproved drugs.
"Remember that diabetes is best treated holistically, with medication, diet and lifestyle factors all receiving equal attention."

Interesting to note that this claim is made on the GB page but not on the IP one. If the pancreatic beta cells are permanently damaged to the point where they are not capable of producing insulin, the result is insulin-dependent diabetes in all living species. As the name implies, the only treatment for this condition is exogenous insulin injections. Perhaps it's thought that because this is to be given to animals, there are no FDA regulations in place regarding veterinary drugs, or possibly that persons dealing with non-human diabetes are not as well-informed as their human-caregiving counterparts.

Here are some real gems from the IP page:

"Like all COMPANY'S products, it is developed with care by our practicing Clinical Psychologist, is 100% natural and is manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards." This should set off the warning lights because psychologists deal with the workings of the mind. They do not attend medical school. Psychiatrists must attend medical school before they are allowed to enter psychiatric special training; they are permitted to prescribe medications, just as other MD's do. So those people who want to use the human version of the product are having a behavioral specialist determine how to control/cure diabetes. Since the company says all of their products are developed by a psychologist, that means the GB concoction was too. Where's the clinical psychologist? Look here--on the pet remedies home page and in the banner here-"the psychologist's natural choice". This is the page where people can become "affiliates" to sell this stuff to others. The page says one can make money from two product lines--the human IP and the animal GB one. The homeopath quoted on the pet remedies home page owns a homeopathic products manufacturing company and apparently has an interesting professional life. This South African website talks about what the local folks came up with in 2004. The product website is here and the item is about as far from diabetes as one can get.

• "Will HUMAN PRODUCT help to treat diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions?

According to FDA regulations, the manufacturers of natural remedies and dietary supplements may not make any claim which suggests that their products are to be used to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose a disease, including diabetes. The ingredients in HUMAN PRODUCT have been chosen for their positive effect on liver and pancreatic health and to promote healthy insulin levels in the body. Remember that it is also important to make sure that you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle."

None of the above impressed FDA, as they sent the company a FDA Warning Letter-November 22, 2005 and another FDA Warning Letter-October 12, 2006, with regard to IP and other products. FDA's objections to this product are the same as to those mentioned above--they are not proven to be safe and effective and are classified as unapproved drugs.

Blogging for their "cure"

Native Remedies/Pet Alive also manages at least five blogs/sites under different names, but their message and reason for existence is the same-to sell their unproven and unapproved products. Neither of them have any source links or citations to prove what's written there is anything except what Native Remedies/PetAlive wants you to know.

Natural Pet Health. The give-away here is at the link. This page is signed by "The Native Remedies Team". This ad banner from 2007 for the site indicates "the psychologist's natural choice" as shown in the section above. Checking out another page on this blog takes you to their second one: "Read more about diabetes in dogs, how to care for a diabetic dog and diseases associated with diabetes in dogs at DiabetesInDogsGuide.Com."

Canine Diabetes Guide AKA DiabetesInDogsGuide.Com

"Pet Herbal Info"

"Good-Dog-Care.com"

"Diabetes in Dogs"

Let's look in on them and compare the information on them to the truth.

Canine Diabetes Guide AKA DiabetesInDogsGuide.Com
"Canine diabetes is a condition in the endocrine system brought about by a deficiency of insulin, or it could be caused by the body’s inability to respond to this hormone."
"Since your dog’s pancreas can no longer produce sufficient insulin, the best and most important treatment for your dog is insulin. You can administer this as an oral dose or intravenously, but the problem with buying the tablet form is that absorption becomes very ineffective since this is a protein substance."
"Although Vetsulin is very effective in making sure the body gets insulin, it poses a danger against hypoglycaemia, if the dosage given is not accurate." "Glipizide" "This drug is taken in the form of a tablet and functions to control glucose level in the blood. It takes its action in the pancreas by stimulating it to produce insulin."

Cited Facts
The description here is of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Dogs have Type 1 diabetes, making them dependent on insulin to control it. BD Diabetes--Canine Diabetes Direct Quote from the BD website: "NOTE: There is no diet or vitamin supplement that can reduce your dog's dependence on insulin injections. This is because vitamins and minerals cannot do what insulin does in the dog's body. If you believe that your dog needs a vitamin or mineral supplement, discuss it with your veterinarian first to make sure that the supplement does not interfere with the action of the dog's other medications. You will still need to give your dog insulin injections twice a day."
BD Diabetes-Ask Dr. Greco From BD's Ask Dr. Greco Page--FAQ About Canine Diabetes: "Q: Are there alternatives to insulin injections?" "A: Not yet, but researchers are working on new therapies." "Q: Are there any vitamin or mineral supplements that will reduce my dog's dependence on insulin?" "A: No. Dogs generally have type 1 diabetes. Their pancreas produces no insulin at all, so they need insulin injections in order to survive. Vitamins and minerals cannot replace the action of insulin. If you give your dog vitamin supplements, you still need to give it insulin injections."
See BD and Dr. Greco's quotes above. Intravenous use of insulin is used in serious cases of Ketoacidosis-a life threatening diabetic complication. Diabetic Ketoacidosis-Church-WSAVA 2009 "When insulin therapy is being considered to treat clinically significant ketoacidosis the choice is continuous intravenous insulin therapy or repetitive intramuscular insulin injections." Insulin injections are normally given Subcutaneously. There are no Oral medication forms of insulin.
Vetsulin IS insulin. Vetsulin FAQ's "What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?" "Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is due to the destruction of the beta cells with progressive and eventual complete loss of insulin secretion. This type always requires insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysfunctional beta cells (irregular insulin production) or the other cells of the body not responding to insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes may or may not require insulin therapy. In general, all dogs have type 1 diabetes and require insulin to control their disease." Destroyed insulin producing pancreatic beta cells aren't capable of being stimulated to produce insulin any more. The only answer is to replace the insulin the body no longer produces with insulin injections.

"Natural Pet Health"
"What are the ingredients of ?" "Research has demonstrated that B can reduce blood sugar levels in Type 11 Diabetes and can also increase insulin production." "Research has suggested that the use of G can enlarge the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which are responsible for the production on insulin. Regular use can therefore improve your pet’s ability to produce insulin." "It can be given alone, or in conjunction with conventional veterinarian treatment."
"Some dogs will be able to take tablets instead of being given shots." "In fact, it is so important to your dog to eat accordingly when he has this disease, that there is a chance that his diabetes can go into full remission just from the change of diet alone."
"G is another herb that will keep your dog’s blood sugar level at an elevated state so that your dog has a lot of energy. This herb is a good one to use when you think your dog is sick because the more sugar your dog’s cells have, the faster the antibodies can kill the illness that has invaded your dog’s body."
"You can bring your dog to the vet and get him a processed vaccine or something else that is supposed to help in the aid of diabetes." "K is another herb that can help your dog out in a time of need if you are looking to help your dog naturally. This herb helps by controlling the amount of sugar or insulin that your pancreas produces." "C helps with controlling diabetes in dogs as well by being a substitute for insulin in your dog’s blood stream."

Cited Facts
Vetsulin FAQs "What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?" "Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is due to the destruction of the beta cells with progressive and eventual complete loss of insulin secretion. This type always requires insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysfunctional beta cells (irregular insulin production) or the other cells of the body not responding to insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes may or may not require insulin therapy. In general, all dogs have type 1 diabetes and require insulin to control their disease." Destroyed insulin producing pancreatic beta cells aren't capable of being stimulated to produce insulin any more. The only answer is to replace the insulin the body no longer produces with insulin injections. Destroyed beta cells cannot possibly go into any remission.
Abbott Diabetes Care "When you are ill, especially when you have a temperature, your body makes glucose from its own stores to help fight the infection, so your levels will rise even if you don't eat." Blood glucose in an elevated state is Hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can lead to Ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Even if hyperglycemia doesn't progress to that point, it can mean complications like Cataracts, Renal failure, Urinary tract infections, and Neuropathy.
"Insulin" is a hormone that has profound effects on metabolism." Vetsulin FAQ's "What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?" "Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is due to the destruction of the beta cells with progressive and eventual complete loss of insulin secretion. This type always requires insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysfunctional beta cells (irregular insulin production) or the other cells of the body not responding to insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes may or may not require insulin therapy. In general, all dogs have type 1 diabetes and require insulin to control their disease." Destroyed insulin producing pancreatic beta cells aren't capable of being stimulated to produce insulin any more. The only answer is to replace the insulin the body no longer produces with insulin injections.

"Good Dog Care.com"
"G is a very effective treatment and can be used on it's (sic) own or in conjunction with prescription medecines (sic) from your vet." "G contains a specially selected combination of herbs known for their ability to improve the production and bio-availability of insulin."

Cited Facts

Vetsulin FAQ's "What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?" "Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is due to the destruction of the beta cells with progressive and eventual complete loss of insulin secretion. This type always requires insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysfunctional beta cells (irregular insulin production) or the other cells of the body not responding to insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes may or may not require insulin therapy. In general, all dogs have type 1 diabetes and require insulin to control their disease." Destroyed insulin producing pancreatic beta cells aren't capable of being stimulated to produce insulin any more. The only answer is to replace the insulin the body no longer produces with insulin injections.

"Diabetes in Dogs"
"Care" "Product is a supplement to improve insulin production and to protect your pet against illness and the harmful effects of diabetes on the body." Product Name Post "Dogs generally have type 1 diabetes. Their pancreas produces no insulin at all, so they need insulin injections to survive. Vitamins and minerals cannot replace the action of insulin. So if you give your dog vitamin supplements, you still need to give them insulin injections."
"Treatment" "A high-fiber, carb-moderate diet can put dog diabetes into remission." "After your pet's diet has been regulated, you may have to give your dog regular insulin injections."

Cited Facts

The site directly quotes Dr. Greco, but insists permanently damaged pancreatic beta cells can produce insulin in the "Care" post directly before this. If diet equaled remission, there would be no need for insulin, as acknowledged by the direct quote from Dr. Greco on the BD Diabetes website in the post before this, where the product pitch occurs. Going back once more to Dr. Greco's quote, there is no "may" about regular insulin injections as there are no functional beta cells to produce insulin. Much of the information that is correct on the blog has been directly copied from two Intervet websites. Blog copy-monitoring glucose and ketones in urine Intervet consumer website-monitoring glucose and ketones in urine Blog copy-glossary Caninsulin.com-glossary Let's also clarify what the blog is online to do--sell product. "Privacy Policy" "Finally, anyone who orders, attempts to order, or receives a product sold (recipients) or advertised on or delivered from this website, even at no cost, is called a "Customer" herein and is subject to this Privacy Policy not only by passive acceptance, but by virtue of the Purchase Agreement contract. The website, its agents, owners, operators, and employees are referred to collectively herein as "Website," "Site," and/or "Seller"." "Online ordering via SSL encrypted communication provided by shopping cart services supporting merchant service companies like Visa and Master Card provides information to the website but does not provide complete credit card numbers. In the process of online ordering, the customer provides, name, address, city, state, email address, phone number, CVV2 (back of card) number, and, occasionally a member password. You should consider all this information available to the website. This information is used to deliver the product, but under the Purchase Agreement you also approve its use for general solicitation purposes." "If you are a customer and send an email to the website, or if you communicate with the site by phone or mail, the website collects information about your communication and by communicating with the site you give your permission to collect, archive, retrieve, and otherwise use any information collected as the site sees fit. "Any communication which, in its sole discretion, the site deems to be a testimonial, may be publicized for commercial purposes."

Notice how their stories keep changing but the facts about canine diabetes, which is Type 1 and dependent on insulin injections as replacement therapy don't.

The "Natural Remedies" and "Pet Herbal Info" blog links are hidden links to "Native Remedies/Pet Alive" products. If you select one and right click it, choosing "Properties", here are examples of what you get (product name edited and links disabled).

"http:// www.natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/recommended/G____B____" "http:// www.petherbalinfo.com/recommended/G____B____"

Clicking the live links at the blogs takes you to the "Native Remedies/PetAlive" page the product is sold on.

Fine print at the bottom of all "Pet Herbal Info" pages: "The content of this site is intended for informational purposes only. "It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Nothing in this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. "Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this site or on ANY website."

"Good-Dog-Care.com" doesn't hide their "Native Remedies/Pet Alive" pitch links, but look at the fine print at the bottom of their web pages:

"Good-Dog-Care.com" "The Information published on this site is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a qualified veterinarian. It is for educational purposes only."

Website Fine Print

From the fine print at the bottom of all Alternative Treatment #5's website pages:"These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this Web site or in emails is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care."

Now you can see these people really don't have a clue about canine diabetes and that it's impossible for their products to treat, control or cure everything they "promise" and "guarantee" they do.

Their website fine print shown here claims they are "educating" one about diabetes. Even if the goal of the blogs and website wasn't to sell unapproved and unproven products, they do a terrible job of performing what they claim to do.