Bahrainis increasingly using complimentary and alternative medicines to treat diabetes

A study carried out by a 4th year student of the college showed that the prevalence of CAM use among the 402 participants suffering from either Type I or Type II diabetes was 62.7% (252/402). A minority of patients, 18.3%, used CAM solely to manage their diabetes, whilst 45.6% used CAM for managing both their diabetes and for other reasons. The study also showed that most CAM users were more likely to be women, to have had diabetes for a longer period of time or to have complications with their diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition caused when the body is unable to produce or use insulin to process the glucose (sugar) in the blood properly and so the levels of glucose in the blood is too high for good health. Glucose comes from foods containing carbohydrates, such as pasta, bread, potatoes and rice. When eaten, the carbohydrates are digested and converted into glucose that is carried in the blood. Insulin then converts the glucose into energy.

Kevin O'Malley, President of RCSI Bahrain said, "Diabetes has become one of the most common public health problems not only in Bahrain but the region. Twenty percent of the GCC population suffers from diabetes and another seventy percent is at risk of developing it. Obesity, lack of physical activity, alteration in eating habits and a change in social conditions have all played a role in the changing prevalence of diabetes in this country.

"Diabetes can lead to debilitating or life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and even amputations. Prevention is better than cure and it is imperative that we place emphasis on educating not only those already suffering from the condition but also future generations on the importance of a healthy lifestyle."