Use of Food Supplements in Diabetes Mellitus Treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Pharmacists Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Food supplements utilization is showing increasing trend among healthy as well as chronic disease population. Diabetes as a pandemic disease is treated by different interventions and traditional pharmacological treatment, but also utilization of natural products and food supplements (FS) are becoming important. Role of the pharmacist in diabetes management includes different interventions like counseling and recommendation of FS. Aim: To explore current trends in dietary supplements utilization among diabetic patients from the pharmacists’ perspective, pharmacists’ attitudes and knowledge about this group of products and suggest future directions related to this issue. Methods: We have analyzed pharmacists’ perception of FS utilization for diabetes and its complication treatment by conducting online survey. The survey was developed by authors based on research aim and published literature. Results: It has been found that 72% of patients with diabetes are purchasing different FS and that they are willing to pay between 5,0-15,0 EUR per visit for this products. Even in majority of cases pharmacists proactively advice patients about FS selection they identify need for specific education in this field in order to strengthen their competencies and competitiveness. Pharmacists also identified need for FS specially formulated and intended for blood glucose controls and most often diabetes complications and related conditions. Conclusion: This is the first study in this field conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina suggesting further activities and research of this topic.