Master Chat Series: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Diabetes Management

Presenter: Sumi Tohan, RD

This talk focuses on managing diabetes-related complications through complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM for diabetes management includes dietary supplements, herbs, acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga and meditation. Sumi will discuss the therapies that have been shown to be effective, as well as those that appear to be ineffective or harmful. She will also discuss therapies in relation to treating physical symptoms as well as psychosocial complications related to diabetes. Sumi will also focus on complementary holistic therapies that can be useful in reducing diabetes distress and improving overall well-being.

Sumi Tohan, RD, is a registered dietitian with Certificates of Training in Adult Weight Management. Sumi completed her undergraduate degree at Penn State University and her dietetic internship with the Virginia Department of Health. She has experience in community nutrition and public health, corporate wellness, brand marketing and public relations for commercial weight loss programs and products, and diabetes self-management education. Upon completing her Master of Science in Diabetes Education and Management at Teachers College, Sumi plans to pursue BC-ADM (board certified – advanced diabetes management) certification. Sumi currently provides nutrition counseling, Intensive Behavioral Therapy, employee wellness services, and manages a weight loss program in a private medical practice.

The Master Chat Series is an annual collaboration between TuDiabetes and Teacher’s College Columbia University’s Master of Science in Diabetes Education and Management program.  This 36-credit inter-professional master’s program is offered to clinicians who are currently in or interested in the diabetes field. As part of a course requirement, students present ‘Master Chats’ on a variety of topics they have chosen based on discussions taking place in the TuDiabetes community. Master Chats include a short presentation followed by a Q and A, and are an opportunity not only for TuDiabetes members to learn from students in this program, but also to give feedback to them in an effort to help them be the best care-givers they can be!