Use of complementary and alternative medicine in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus - prevalence, patterns of use, and costs.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly used in adults and children. Studies on CAM in diabetes have mainly focused on the adult population and its use among children with type 1 diabetes has not been well characterized.

Objectives: This study determines prevalence, parental reasons and motivations, perceived effectiveness, costs, and communication of CAM use.