Utilization of Complementary Medicine Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Qatar: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization. The prevalence of DM is rising globally, with over 460 million adults affected worldwide which led to increase the burden on healthcare systems and economies. In Qatar, DM prevalence was 17.6%. Complementary Medicine (CM), encompassing diverse medical practices which are not typically part of conventional medicine, is prevalent in Qatar. This study explores the contribution of CM to diabetes management in Qatar, focusing on herbal and natural remedies which were deeply rooted in Qatari culture.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey study, which was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and types of CM usage among Type 2 DM patients in Qatar. Patients were recruited from the primary health care center (PHCC) outpatient clinics. 202 diabetic patients were interviewed.ResultsFindings revealed high prevalence of CM use (87%) among participants. There was a limited physician-patient communication about CM usage. Furthermore, significant associations were found between CM usage and sociodemographic factors, such as employment status and insurance coverage. Herbal remedies like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger were the most popular CM among participants.