Use of Aromatherapy in Diabetes Management

Abstract

Diabetes has become a global health issue on a worldwide scale in our present day. In addition to long-term treatment, diabetes is a chronic disease with the participation of individuals in the disease and treatment processes, the self-care and self-efficacy of individuals. Individuals include complementary and supportive practices, along with medical treatments such as medication, nutrition, and exercise, into disease management processes. Complementary and supportive practices are among the practices frequently preferred by individuals in the management of chronic diseases. Complementary and supportive practices are preferred due to the side effects of the treatment protocols used in diabetes, which is one of the common chronic diseases, problems in the process of adherence with drug treatment and the need for long-term medical treatment, as well as the cost-effectiveness of complementary and supportive applications, easy accessibility and applicability. Aromatherapy, which is one of these practices, is preferred because it is effective, reliable, and can be easily applied by the patient. Aromatherapy is known as the use of essential oils obtained from plants for therapeutic purposes. Although aromatherapy has different methods of application, inhalation and massage often come to the fore. Positive effects of the application on anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, and neuropathic pain were reported by many studies. In line with the results of the study, it should be supported with more sample groups and randomized controlled studies in this field. This review was planned to emphasize aromatherapy usage areas, methods of application, and their effectiveness in diabetes management.