Frequency of Opium Use among Diabetic Patients and Their Attitude

Objective: Opium was referred to as the ancient medicine s method of choice for treatingdiabetes mellitus. But in some recent studies, it is reported as the cause for higher blood sugarlevels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of opium use among diabeticpatients and attitude of them towards the effects of opium use on their disease.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 202 diabetic patients referred to theendocrinology clinic who completed a self administered questionnaire about various variablesincluding their demographic features, history of opium use, and attitudes towards the effects ofopium use on diabetes mellitus. The relevant data were extracted and analyzed usingparametric tests.Results: Among the examinees, 10.9% reported the current use of opium. The attitude ofpatients who were married as well as the self-employed, the retired and those who were not ona diet prescribed by a physician was significantly more positive than the other group regardingopium use. Seventy two percent of those who had reported opium use were advised by othersto use opium for treating their hyperglycemia. In comparison to the group with no opium use,the other group significantly neglected their diet and had more positive attitude about opiumuse.Conclusion: Considering the findings, educating people on the harms of opium use in thediabetic population seems necessary. Moreover, assessment of diabetic patients in regard totheir opium use and the required healthcare measures would be important.