Perception of herbs use in treating diabetes among patients attending specialized polyclinics of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus represents a major burden globally and locally. Some diabetic patients may resort to the use of herbal medicine as another approach to control their blood glucose levels. This study aims to assess the prevalence and the perception of diabetic patients toward the usage of herbs in treating diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a specialized polyclinic of the primary health care center in the National Guard hospital located in Jeddah. The questionnaire was interviewer-administered and a total of 196 diabetic patients were interviewed. RESULTS: Of 196 patients interviewed, most (59.7%) have used herbs to treat diabetes. Cinnamon, garlic, fenugreek, and moringa were the most common herbs used by diabetic patients. Many herbal users (49.9%) reported that herbs can play a role in decreasing blood glucose levels and (48%) of herbal users prefer the use of herbs over conventional medicine in treating diabetes. Most diabetic patients (37.3%) gained their knowledge about herbs through media and the experiences of other diabetic patients and we found that the reason to use herbs the majority was to reap the benefits of the herbs (48.7%) or because of herbs on controlling diabetes and reducing diabetic complications (30.7%). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that herbs are commonly used among diabetic patients and the majority of patients perceive herbs as a cofactor in controlling diabetes.