Impact of herbal medicine use on HbA1c levels among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Herbal medicine use is widespread among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet its influence on glycemic control remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of herbal medicine use and its association with glycemic control among adults with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 among 420 adults with T2DM selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured interviews and medical record reviews. Glycemic control was assessed based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, with HbA1c < 7% considered good control. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Associations between herbal use and glycemic control were examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses, with p < 0.05 denoting statistical significance. Of 420 participants, 223 (53.0%) were female, and the majority resided in urban areas (67.4%). Most (74.8%) had lived with diabetes for more than five years, and one-third (33.3%) had comorbidities. Herbal medicine use was reported by 219 (52.1%) participants, predominantly Moringa oleifera (61.6%), Trigonella foenum-graecum (45.7%), and Allium sativum (38.8%). Overall, 228 (54.3%) participants achieved good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7.0%), while the remaining 192 (45.7%) exhibited poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%). In multivariable logistic regression, urban residence (AOR = 10.5, 95% CI 4.9-22.7), shorter diabetes duration (< 5 years) (AOR = 10.18, 95% CI 4.46-23.23), absence of comorbidity (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.58-4.21), and non-users (AOR = 3.89, 95% CI 2.38-6.38) were independently associated with good glycemic control. Literacy and age above 40 years were also significant predictors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of herbal medicine use was high among individuals with T2DM but was significantly associated with poor glycemic control.