Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) and related factors in diabetic patients attending diabetes clinics in Sari and their attitudes and satisfaction.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the use of CAM methods, attitude and satisfaction of 270 diabetic patients, were assessed by a questionnaire. The t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors.

Results: Among the participants 99 (36.6%) had used at least one of the CAM methods in the year before the study. The most commonly used CAM were medicinal plants (n= 85 patients), cupping (n= 14), acupuncture (n= 11), bloodletting (n= 5), and massage (n= 1). The most common herbs were nettle, fenugreek, barberry, cinnamon, and green tea. More than 51% of patients expressed their satisfaction with the effects of these methods and over 67% were willing to use them again. There was a positive attitude towards CAM methods in 47 patients (17.4%). A significant correlation was observed between the use of these methods and marriage (P= 0.02), duration of disease (P=0.01) and duration of treatment (P=0.02).

Conclusion: In our study, the use of non-conventional methods in diabetic patients was found to be common which was related to duration of diabetes and its therapy. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects, side effects and interactions of these methods with conventional methods in treatment of diabetes.