» Articles » PMID: 26848337

Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Kenya--Key Informant Interviews

Overview
Journal Pan Afr Med J
Date 2016 Feb 6
PMID 26848337
Citations 6
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide, plant based medicines are increasing in popularity due to perceptions of safety and efficacy. Herbalists in Kenya are widely consulted for the management of many diseases including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the level of knowledge of the herbalists in management of T2DM.

Methods: Purposive sampling was used to identify 4 herbalists working in the urban areas who actively manage T2DM. Key informant interviews were used to gather data about the management of T2DM. It was analyzed using a content thematic approach.

Results: Diverse management methods which included both pharmacological and non- pharmacological were noted. Glycemic control was assessed with the help of a glucometer. In addition, presenting signs and symptoms were key in diagnosing T2DM. The herbalists used various herbs, minerals and animals as medicinal sources. The drugs were dispensed as decoctions with excipients being added appropriately. Adverse effects were recorded. The herbalists acknowledged that patients use both herbal and allopathic medicine together. A level of record keeping was observed but patient follow-up was poor. The cost of the herbal drugs was perceived to be excessive.

Conclusion: Some similarities exist in the management of T2DM between allopathic and traditional medicine practitioners. Training of herbalists is required to improve the quality of care given to patients.

Citing Articles

Indigenous Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes in Africa: 5 Years (2019-2024) in Perspective.

Frimpong E, Thembane N, Hlatshwayo S, Ngcobo M, Gqaleni N Plants (Basel). 2024; 13(14).

PMID: 39065425 PMC: 11281109. DOI: 10.3390/plants13141898.


Medicinal plants used for management of diabetes and hypertension in Ghana.

Asafo-Agyei T, Appau Y, Barimah K, Asase A Heliyon. 2023; 9(12):e22977.

PMID: 38076168 PMC: 10703729. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22977.


Tswana traditional health practitioners' perspectives on the management of diabetes and hypertension: a qualitative study using focus group discussions.

Frimpong E, Nlooto M Pan Afr Med J. 2020; 34:93.

PMID: 31934236 PMC: 6945675. DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.34.93.19112.


The commercialization of traditional medicine in modern Cambodia.

Ros B, Le G, McPake B, Fustukian S Health Policy Plan. 2017; 33(1):9-16.

PMID: 29040469 PMC: 5886242. DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czx144.


Renal biochemical and histopathological alterations of diabetic rats under treatment with hydro alcoholic extrac.

Rahimi-Madiseh M, Naimi A, Heydarian E, Rafieian-Kopaei M J Renal Inj Prev. 2017; 6(1):56-60.

PMID: 28487873 PMC: 5414520. DOI: 10.15171/jrip.2017.10.


References
1.
Erejuwa O . Effect of honey in diabetes mellitus: matters arising. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2014; 13(1):23. PMC: 3909917. DOI: 10.1186/2251-6581-13-23. View

2.
Lin L, Allemekinders H, Dansby A, Campbell L, Durance-Tod S, Berger A . Evidence of health benefits of canola oil. Nutr Rev. 2013; 71(6):370-85. PMC: 3746113. DOI: 10.1111/nure.12033. View

3.
Shrivastava S, Shrivastava P, Ramasamy J . Role of self-care in management of diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2013; 12(1):14. PMC: 3599009. DOI: 10.1186/2251-6581-12-14. View

4.
Kiberenge M, Ndegwa Z, Njenga E, Muchemi E . Knowledge, attitude and practices related to diabetes among community members in four provinces in Kenya: a cross-sectional study. Pan Afr Med J. 2011; 7:2. PMC: 3172632. View

5.
Maiti R, Jana D, Das U, Ghosh D . Antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004; 92(1):85-91. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.02.002. View