Use of Different Types of Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder whose hallmarks are hyperglycemia accompanied by persistent damage, dysfunction and failure of various organ systems.

Objectives of the Study: To assess the frequency of use alternative medicine for Diabetes Mellitus.

Methodology of the Study: This cross sectional study was conducted during June 2019 to April 2020 at Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal. Data regarding prevalence of alternative medicines usage in Pakistan, is not available. Thus, to calculate sample size, prevalence of India is being used which is 67%.

Results: The data was collected from 400 patients and there was 167 male and 233 female. The mean age was 52.93±12.97 years. There are 113 patients who was suffering from diabetes from less than 5 years and almost 187 patients who was suffering more than 10 years. There were 189 patients who have good diabetic control as compared to others. There are 158 patients who used CAM for diseases control.

Conclusion: It is concluded that patients might be less compelled to seek a CAM therapy or any other medical therapy if they have relatively few symptoms.