Knowledge and Practices of Dietary Supplement Use in Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Study in Two Hospitals in Guyana

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) globally necessitates exploration of complementary therapies, including dietary supplements, alongside standard medical care. However, the efficacy and safety of many supplements remain unclear, emphasising the need for robust research. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding the use of dietary supplements among T2D patients in two Guyanese hospitals: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Suddie Hospital (SH). Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative survey using a structured interview questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 115 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (46 from GPHC and 69 from SH). The data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Over half (67%) of participants used dietary supplements, with multivitamins being the most common (63.5%). A significant association was observed between hospital type and dietary supplement prescribing (χ²(1) = 8.22, p = .004), as well as knowledge of dietary supplements (χ²(2) = 11.98, p = .003), indicating significant differences between GPHC and SH. A substantial knowledge gap existed regarding the safety and efficacy of supplements, with a high proportion of participants incorrectly believing that over-the-counter supplements are always safe. Conclusion: Widespread use of dietary supplements among T2D patients highlights the need for standardised prescribing guidelines and improved patient education to ensure safe and effective use. Further research should explore the reasons behind the observed disparities in prescribing and knowledge levels between hospitals.