Traditional and complementary medicine use in patients with type 2 diabetes: Findings from a multicenter cross-sectional questionnaire survey in Selangor, Malaysia

Current global estimates of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) utilization range from 9.8% to 76%, with high rates of use being documented in Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Previous research has shown that patients with diabetes are more likely to use T&CM than individuals without diabetes. A multicenter cross-sectional survey of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted at five primary care health clinics in Petaling district of Selangor, Malaysia from June 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020. A total of 476 patients were enrolled. 58.0% of men and 64.8% of women reported to use at least a type of T&CM. The prevalence of T&CM use among Malays, Chinese, and Indians was 71.1%, 33.3%, and 62.9% respectively. The most commonly used T&CM were herbal remedies (45.2%), followed by nutritional supplements (9.9%). 80.0% of the patients would follow their doctor’s instruction if the doctor asked them not to use T&CM, whereas 70.2% would consult their doctor about using T&CM. Factors associated with higher tendency for T&CM use comprised increased age, unemployed, oral antidiabetic monotherapy, presence of family history of diabetes, and coexisting chronic disease. T&CM therapies were common among multi-ethnic patient population with type 2 diabetes. The high rate of use warranted clinical attention and intervention to reduce the risk of drug-associated adverse events.