The use of traditional and complementary medicine among diabetes patients, and the awareness and attitudes of physicians.

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.