DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition requiring strict adherence to diet therapy for effective management and prevention of complications. This study aimed to assess the level of compliance to diet therapy among patients with T1DM attending a tertiary health institution. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using a convenience sampling technique, 195 patients attending the Chest Out-Patient Department (COPD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) between February and March 2025 were selected. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and 187 properly completed questionnaires were retrieved, yielding a response rate of 95.9%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and findings were presented in frequencies, percentages, and means. The majority of respondents (55.1%) were aged between 32 and 37 years, with a slight female predominance (54.5%). Most participants were of Edo ethnicity (52.4%), had attained tertiary education (42.2%), and were predominantly traders (38.5%). The assessment of knowledge regarding diet therapy revealed a generally good level of awareness, with a grand mean score of 3.1 (cut-off = 2.5). Respondents demonstrated strong knowledge in areas such as the importance of meal timing, portion control, reducing sugar intake, and awareness of healthy food choices for blood sugar management. The findings indicate that patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in this tertiary health institution possess a good level of knowledge regarding diet therapy. However, gaps remain in areas such as practical application and consistent adherence to dietary recommendations. It is recommended that continuous diabetes education programs emphasizing practical dietary management strategies be strengthened. Healthcare providers should offer personalized dietary counseling and regular follow-up to enhance patient compliance and ultimately improve health outcomes among individuals living with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: - Herbal medicine, defined as the therapeutic use of plants and plant-based products, has long played a vital role in African healthcare systems. In Nigeria, where approximately 70–80% of the population depends on traditional remedies, medicinal plants such as Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum gratissimum are commonly used for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite their popularity, concerns remain regarding their clinical efficacy, safety, dosage standardization, and possible interactions with conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Objectives:- This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and pattern of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients and to evaluate their knowledge regarding these therapies. Methods:- A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), specifically in the Consultant Outpatient Department (COPD) and Consultant Outpatient Department–National Health Insurance Scheme (COPD–NHIS). A total of 205 diabetic patients participated through structured interviews and questionnaires. Data were
analyzed to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use and the level of awareness among respondents. Results:- It shows that the majority of participants (93.2%) were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. About one-fifth (20%) of the respondents reported using herbal medicines alongside conventional therapy, while 14.6% were currently combining both forms of treatment at the time of the study. Only a small proportion demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential interactions of herbal products with prescribed medications. Conclusion: - the study revealed a moderate prevalence of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients, often in combination with standard anti-diabetic drugs. These findings highlight the
need for enhanced patient education, improved regulation, and strengthened pharmacovigilance to ensure the safe and effective integration of herbal medicine into diabetes management in Nigeria.