Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly prominent as an adjunct to standard orthodox medicine among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients globally. However, a comprehensive systematic review of Complementary and alternative medicine use among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and practice in South Asia is lacking. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence, types, and factors associated with CAM use among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in South Asia. Three electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for studies published from 2000 to 2022. This study was registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42023445807. Fourteen studies from five South Asian countries were included. These studies revealed a wide range of complementary and alternative medicine usage from 9% to 76%. The prominence of a plethora of biologically-based practices, in addition to yoga, homeopathy, ayurveda, spiritual healing, highlighted the diversity of Complementary and alternative medicine options in Type 2 diabetes mellitus management in the region. The factors associated with the increased use of CAM include the ease of access and availability of the practices, cultural and societal norms, the socioeconomic conditions of the individuals, and their personal beliefs and values. The study identified a wide variation in the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. It underscores the need for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about CAM, and open to discussing complementary and alternative medicine with their patients.
Rehman et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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