Use of non-conventional medicine for patients with diabetes

Abstract

Background: in recent years, the use of alternative medicine as a treatment for different diseases has increased. It is considered that a great percentage of people belonging to less developed communities use alternative medicine for health care. Objective: to determine the use of non-conventional treatment in diabetic patients. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional study was used to a group of patients belonging to a diabetic club at Centro Clínico Quirúrgico Hospital del Día Santo Domingo from June 5th to July 31st, 2018. The population was composed of 1300 persons. Survey was used as research instrument and was applied to the sample of 100 persons. Results: there was predominance of the female gender. The majority used non-conventional medication for family practices. Phytotherapy was identified as the most employed and known alternative therapy used by diabetic patients. The medicinal plants used primarily was Insulina (Costus igneus) and Zarzgoza (Glycyrrhizaglabra). Conclusions: it was found that the diabetic population used non-conventional medicine for the treatment of illness and in some occasions, it was recommended by the physician although no adverse effects were reported. Phytotherapy and acupuncture were the most used procedures. DeCS: MEDICINE, TRADITIONAL; DIABETES MELLITUS/therapy; PHYTOTHERAPY; ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY; OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.