Betel quid (Paan) and diabetes care.

This communication focuses on an important, yet neglected, aspect of medicine, which has an impact on diabetes care as well. Betel quid (paan) chewing is a commonly encountered, socioculturally accepted, "culture-bound" addictive disorder. Betel quid chewing has unwanted psychotropic, carcinogenic and dysmetabolic effects. Thus, it should be discouraged as strongly as tobacco use. This communication calls for raised awareness among physicians and community leaders regarding this addictive disorder, and highlight the need for research on this topic.