Use of Natural Health Products by Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Natural health products (NHPs) have received attention for their role in human health and disease. Type 2 diabetes is a disease of interest due to its increasing incidence and the potential role of NHPs in its management. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and predictors of NHP use, and to characterize beliefs and attitudes about NHPs in adults with type 2 diabetes. Adults with type 2 diabetes (N=200) completed a questionnaire exploring the prevalence of NHP use; attitudes and beliefs about NHPs; and general health, medical and demographic data. NHP users were significantly older and tended to have a lower body weight (p=0.06) than NHP non-users. There were no significant differences between NHP users and non-users in terms of factors related to diabetes management, including fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin. The prevalence of NHP use was 73%, with the 3 most common NHPs being multivitamins/minerals, calcium and vitamin C. The majority of NHP users (80.7%) had their NHPs recommended to them, most often by a physician (42.2%). The most common rationale for NHP use was bone health (21.4%), with diabetes ranked fourth (13.8%). The most common sources of NHP information were physicians (18.8%) and magazines/books (18.8%), and the majority of NHP users (66.7%) reported they did not need more information. The high prevalence of NHP use observed in the current study justifies the contribution value of these data to the management of adults with type 2 diabetes.