PREVALENCE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES IN TAMIL NADU

Introduction: India has an estimated 77 million adults with diabetes and about 25 million who are prediabetic. While conventional pharmacotherapy is widely used, lifestyle modifications and Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) are increasingly recognized for their potential to improve glycemic control and reduce complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of CAM usage among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) attending Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, over 3months. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes treatment, glycemic control, and CAM usage. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results were represented as Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), Frequency, and Percentage. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 60.36 ± 9.76 years. Of the participants, 61.2% were males and 38.8% were females. The prevalence of CAM usage was reported by 26.4%. Among the CAM users, the majority were using biologically based therapies (16.8%), followed by whole medical systems like homeopathy (9.6%). The factors significantly associated with CAM usage were higher Socioeconomic Status (SES)(OR 95% CI=2.603 (1.046-6.479) and good to fair HbA1c control (OR 95% CI=6.530 (3.405-12.525). Conclusion: CAM usage among T2DM patients in this rural population is relatively low. Targeted health education programs focusing on the benefits, safe use, and potential risks of CAM would enhance patient awareness and informed decision-making.