Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among diabetic patients in Eastern Mediterranean country members of the World Health Organization (WHO): A review

Introduction: Diabetic patients increasingly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to control and improve their disease. Objectives: This study aims to recognize the prevalence and forms of complementary and alternative therapies used by diabetic patients in Eastern Mediterranean country members of the World Health Organization. Methods: A systematic electronic search was carried out on the Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The search was carried out for relevant literature published up until July 14, 2019. The key search terms used were integrative medicine, alternative medicine, complementary medicine, diabetes patients, and the names of Eastern Mediterranean countries. A meta-analysis was carried out by using comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2. The herbal medicine usage rates were calculated based on the random effect model. Results: A total of 24 articles were found across 14 countries. The frequency of using CAM was estimated to range between 9 and 88.4 %. The consumption rate of herbal medicine in the target countries was 37 % (CI = 95 %, R = 26-49). The most prevalent CAM methods used included herbal remedies, wet cupping, spiritual healing, and acupuncture. Factors affecting the consumption of CAM were age, female gender, and duration of affliction with the disease. About 40 % of patients had not informed their physician that they had used these therapies. Conclusion: Evidence showed that a high proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus use CAM. It is suggested that physicians and healthcare providers raise their awareness of this field of medicine and consider the indications and adverse effects of these kinds of medicines.