Smokeless Chewing Khat and Diabetes Mellitus

What is it about?

Abstract Background Khat is known to have a stimulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system by producing a temporary sensation of activeness and happiness, along with mood disturbance and anxiety. Despite growing evidence of the association between khat chewing and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes, the position of khat chewing in DM is not fully recognised. Aim To evaluate the association of khat chewing with the risk of elevated blood glucose levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method A web-based literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Databases were searched for studies published about khat chewing and diabetes mellitus in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Result Twenty-five published articles studying the relation between khat chewing and diabetes mellitus were identified, but only 10 studies reported an association between khat chewing and blood glucose levels and were included. Conclusion Khat chewing increases fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

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Why is it important?

Highlights • Khat chewing increases the levels of blood glucose and HbA1c in healthy people and patients with diabetes. • Few studies mentioned the relationship between khat chewing and blood glucose levels, especially in the Jazan region. • Identifying a causal association of khat chewing with DM and clarifying its biological role are important aims for future studies.