Abstract

Many studies have shown a rampant increase in the number of diabetic patients around the world. This constitutes an economic burden on the resources of states and hence, has prompted many international organizations to devise awareness and educational programs about the dangers of this the disease and ways to deal with it. There are serious complications to diabetes which may include; high blood pressure, heart and kidney diseases, eye problems, neuropathy and diabetic foot. The most feared development of this disease is the diabetic foot as it may lead to amputation. This study examines the prevalence of diabetes and the prevalence of complementary alternative medicine CAM in the treatment. Questionnaires were distributed in the western region of Saudi Arabia .The sample size was 750. Responses were collected and proper descriptive statistical analysis was applied. An alarming 34% of respondents have diabetes, 74% of surveyed population has diabetes within family members, 40% of respondents have had a form of foot problem with highest incident of leg pain and numbness.The majority of examined population has chosen traditional medical intervention rather than herbal medicine in dealing with foot problems. The culture of inter-family marriages has to be overlooked to curb rampant increase of diabetes incidents amongst family members. Moreover, the role of diabetic centers has to be invigorated in spreading knowledge with regards to diabetes, and in devising proper follow-up procedures to diabetic patients after referral to other departments in hospitals. Collaboration between medical staff and patient is very important to cure the foot infection of patient.