Alternative Treatment 9

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.""

Alternative Treatment #9

This seems to be a fairly new player in the diabetes shill game, but the story is basically the same as the ones above--you can use the product and not need to give insulin injections.

Alternative Treatment #9 "Many studies have indicated that the right combination of herbal extracts can- "Prevent dog diabetes from developing, and "Keep it under control in dogs that already have it" So the claim is that using the product will not only control canine diabetes without using insulin, but it will prevent a non-diabetic from contracting the disease. As discussed above, why is this "miracle drug" not being sold by a major pharmaceutical company if it really did as their claims say? And why is a board-certified ACVIM internist with extensive pet diabetes experience saying : "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." Contrast what Dr. Greco says with the website's claim: "The herbs in Alternative Treatment #9 act directly on blood sugar levels to help control dog diabetes. It is highly effective when used ALONE, or as part of a comprehensive treatment program." Their website boasts of a pet health wiki": ""Alternative Treatment #9" offers one of the most comprehensive online resources for natural pet care information, boasting an online library of over 250 articles, a blog, and its own Wiki site. Let's read the entry for canine diabetes: "Canine diabetes usually manifests itself as type 1 diabetes, which involves a lack of insulin production resulting from damage to the beta cells of the pancreas." "Generally, there are three aspects involved in the treatment of canine diabetes -- insulin injections, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments."" When we get to the "remedy" page, there's another story presented: "Many studies have indicated that the right combination of herbal extracts can- "Prevent dog diabetes from developing, and "Keep it under control in dogs that already have it" So now let's look at the "fine print" that isn't prominently displayed on the page. This is found when you click the "Dosage and Directions" tab: "Information presented at (website selling Alternative Treatment #9) is for educational purposes only; statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration."' But that's NOT what they're saying here: ""Alternative Treatment #9"'s products are also registered with the US Food and Drug Administration." FDA Green Book Online FDA Green Book Monthly Updates Look through them all and you won't even ONE of the products they're trying to sell you as "cures". There is only one treatment approved for canine diabetes:Page 41-Vetsulin-porcine zinc suspension insulin. This company has even had enough nerve to post "cure" videos for their products on YouTube--but take a look at what's said on their website before believing their videos.

Website Fine Print

Some enlightening information from their "Terms" page: "Your use of this site is at your sole risk. The products, information, services and other content provided through this site or any provided link, are provided for informational purposes only...You agree that our Company shall not be liable for any damages of any kind arising out of or relating to the use of any products or services, for any incorrect or inaccurate information, for any defective products or any other matter relating to this site or a linked site." "We do not manufacture any of the products listed on our web sites. The product information on this web site is reproduced from information provided by the manufacturers and we do not warrant or represent that all of the information is complete or accurate. No efforts have been made to verify the claims made by the manufacturers. No information or claims take the place of the advice of a professional medical practitioner." Now you're being told that if you see their ads here, click the link, purchase products from them and they don't turn out to be the "wonder drugs" their claims purport them to be, you can't even take legal action against them. They are trying to "educate" you about their product enough to make you believe it works and to believe it strongly enough to buy it and use it for treatment of your pet's diabetes. Every one of the legitmate educational sites about pet diabetes present information about the disease and its real treatment without trying to sell you anything.