Background:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with rising prevalence in both urban and peri-urban areas. In Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Abuja, a substantial number of patients rely on traditional herbal remedies, while others use standard pharmaceutical treatment. Despite the popularity of both methods, limited evidence exists comparing their clinical effectiveness.
Objective:
This study aims to compare the efficacy of traditional herbal remedies and standard pharmacological treatments in managing Type 2 diabetes among adult patients in Karu LGA, Abuja.
Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 patients diagnosed with T2DM, divided equally between those using traditional herbal remedies and those on standard pharmaceutical treatment. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c levels, and BMI were recorded over a 3-month period. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to gather data on adherence, side effects, and perceived effectiveness.
Results:
Initial findings showed that patients using standard treatments had more consistent glycemic control, with lower mean HbA1c levels (7.1%) compared to the herbal group (8.4%). However, participants in the herbal group reported higher satisfaction and fewer complaints of side effects. The combination of both treatments showed the most promising results among a small subset.
Conclusion:
While standard pharmaceutical treatments demonstrated better glycemic control, traditional remedies remain culturally relevant and widely trusted. Integration strategies, patient education, and further clinical research are recommended to optimize diabetes management in Karu LGA.
Table of Contents
- 1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objectives of the Study
- 1.3.1 General Objective
- 1.3.2 Specific Objectives
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Significance of the Study
- 1.6 Scope of the Study
- 1.7 Operational Definitions
- 2.0 Literature Review
- 2.1 Overview of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
- 2.2 Standard Pharmaceutical Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
- 2.3 Traditional Herbal Remedies in Diabetes Management
- 2.4 Comparative Studies on Herbal vs. Standard Treatment
- 2.5 Cultural and Socioeconomic Influences on Treatment Choices
- 2.6 Knowledge Gaps and Rationale for the Study
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to compare the efficacy of traditional herbal remedies and standard pharmaceutical treatments for Type 2 diabetes among adults in Karu LGA, Abuja, Nigeria. The research seeks to understand the clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and factors influencing treatment choices within this specific community. * Comparative efficacy of herbal and standard treatments for Type 2 diabetes. * Patient perception and satisfaction with different treatment approaches. * Prevalence and types of herbal remedies used for diabetes management in Karu LGA. * Influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on treatment choices. * Identification of potential challenges and side effects associated with each treatment modality.Chapter Summaries
1.0 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of the study by highlighting the growing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nigeria, particularly in urbanizing areas like Karu LGA. It emphasizes the widespread use of traditional herbal remedies alongside standard pharmaceutical treatments, creating a significant need for comparative research. The chapter outlines the problem—the lack of systematic evaluation comparing these treatment approaches—and clearly states the study's objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and operational definitions, thereby providing a solid foundation for the subsequent investigation. The prevalence of T2DM globally and specifically in Nigeria is discussed, alongside the cultural significance and accessibility of traditional medicine in this region. 2.0 Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing literature relevant to the study. It begins by detailing T2DM, its global burden, and the specific situation in Nigeria. The review then delves into standard pharmaceutical treatments for T2DM, including their efficacy, challenges like medication adherence, and the commonly used medications such as metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas. The chapter also thoroughly examines traditional herbal remedies employed for diabetes management in Nigeria, focusing on commonly used plants (Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum), their purported benefits, and associated concerns regarding standardization, potential herb-drug interactions, and safety. The review concludes by analyzing existing comparative studies on herbal versus standard treatments, highlighting the need for further research focusing on specific localities and cultural dynamics, setting the stage for the original research presented later in the study (not included in this preview).Keywords
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Traditional Herbal Remedies, Standard Pharmaceutical Treatments, Glycemic Control, HbA1c, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Nigeria, Karu LGA, Abuja, Patient Satisfaction, Medication Adherence, Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, Allium sativum, Integrative Healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this document about the Karu LGA, Abuja Diabetes Study?
This document provides a language preview of a study concerning Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) management in Karu LGA, Abuja, Nigeria. It includes the title, table of contents, study objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured overview of the research.
What is the main research focus of the study?
The study focuses on comparing the efficacy of traditional herbal remedies with standard pharmaceutical treatments for managing Type 2 Diabetes among adults in Karu LGA, Abuja, Nigeria. It also explores patient satisfaction, factors influencing treatment choices, and potential challenges associated with each treatment modality.
What are the primary objectives of the research?
The primary objectives include:
- Comparing the efficacy of herbal and standard treatments for Type 2 diabetes.
- Assessing patient perception and satisfaction with different treatment approaches.
- Determining the prevalence and types of herbal remedies used for diabetes management in Karu LGA.
- Understanding the influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on treatment choices.
- Identifying potential challenges and side effects associated with each treatment modality.
What is covered in the "Introduction" chapter (Chapter 1.0)?
The introduction establishes the context of the study, highlighting the increasing prevalence of T2DM in Nigeria, particularly in urbanizing areas like Karu LGA. It emphasizes the use of traditional herbal remedies alongside standard pharmaceutical treatments and the need for comparative research. The chapter outlines the study's objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and operational definitions.
What is covered in the "Literature Review" chapter (Chapter 2.0)?
The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of existing literature on T2DM, standard pharmaceutical treatments, and traditional herbal remedies used in Nigeria. It examines the efficacy, challenges, and commonly used medications for standard treatments, as well as the purported benefits and concerns associated with herbal remedies, including potential herb-drug interactions and safety.
What are some of the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Traditional Herbal Remedies, Standard Pharmaceutical Treatments, Glycemic Control, HbA1c, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Nigeria, Karu LGA, Abuja, Patient Satisfaction, Medication Adherence, Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, Allium sativum, and Integrative Healthcare.
What specific herbal remedies are mentioned in the document?
The document mentions Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Moringa oleifera (moringa), and Allium sativum (garlic) as examples of traditional herbal remedies used for diabetes management in Nigeria.
Why is this study important?
This study is important because it addresses the lack of systematic evaluation comparing traditional herbal remedies and standard pharmaceutical treatments for Type 2 Diabetes in a specific community. The findings can inform healthcare practices and policies, improve patient outcomes, and promote safer and more effective diabetes management strategies in Karu LGA, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Quote paper
- Kingsley Adimabua (Author), 2025, Traditional Herbal Medicine vs. Standard Diabetes Treatment. A Comparative Study in Karu LGA, Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1593136
