The Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Among Diabetes Patients, and the Awareness and Attitudes of Physicians

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and reasons for use of traditional and complimentary medicines in diabetic patients, and the attitudes and behaviours of physicians towards the issue. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2015 to April 2016 at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, and comprised people aged 18 or more with an existing diagnosis of diabetes. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as the data-collection tool. Results: There were 386 respondents, and 179(46.4%) of them said they had used at least one type of traditional and complimentary medicine related to their diabetic condition. A significant relationship was noted between such usage and age, educational level, type of diabetes, monthly income, duration of diabetes, diabetic complications, gylcated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels <10 and ?10, and prescribed treatment. Besides, 135(75.41%) participants said they had not discussed their use of traditional and complimentary medicines with their physicians. Conclusions: When evaluating diabetic patients, physicians should ask their patients about their use of traditional and complimentary medicines, and should provide them with detailed information on the subject.