title: Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Kenya--Key Informant Interviews.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Irene Njeri
authors: IN
authors: Chege
authors: School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Faith Apolot
authors: FA
authors: Okalebo
authors: School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Anastasia Nkatha
authors: AN
authors: Guantai
authors: College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Karanja
authors: Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors: Solomon
authors: S
authors: Derese
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional / Q000379:methods*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D028321:Plant Preparations
keywords: Herbalists; diabetes mellitus; traditional medicine