Survey on herbal medicine use in diabetic patients: a pilot study

Abstract

Diabetes patients’ rate is increasing in worldwide vigorously. The rate is 7.1 million in Bangladesh. It is a matter of concern for every individual in controlling and preventing it. People are not satisfied with prescriptional anti-diabetic drugs and search for alternative treatment like herbal medicine. The aim of this study is to analyze the frequency of herbal medicine used in Dhaka city in diabetic patients and also their knowledge on adulterated herbal medicine in drug market. This is a pilot study including 100 diabetic patients. The participants were from the Birdem Hospital (Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation), one of the largest diabetes hospitals in Dhaka city come regularly for their routine check -up and also from relatives and friends. Interview was taken face-face through questionnaire. The rate is 27% patients’ who are using herbal medicine with combined therapy of conventional diabetic treatment. 60% patients have no knowledge on adulterated herbal medicine, 40% have which is very low. 44% patients have no side-effects and 36% face no hypoglycemia, 47% don’t inform their health professional or any pharmacist. We can see from this study higher amount of diabetic patients are using herbal drugs without even informing their health professional which can cause adverse effects and ineffective diabetic management for them.