In Taiz, Yemen, a surge in diabetes patients at the Republican Hospital is alarming medical professionals. Since early July 2026, many individuals have stopped taking their prescribed medications, influenced by the rise of a controversial diet known as el-tayebat, promoted by the late Diaa el-Awadi. This trend has resulted in severe health complications for those who abandon their medical treatment.
Health Risks of the el-tayebat Diet
Dr. Hamza al-Qusais, the head of the emergency department at the Republican Hospital, reported a significant increase in patients suffering from diabetes-related complications. “We stabilize them in the emergency room and immediately refer them to specialized doctors within the hospital to provide the necessary care,” he stated.
El-Awadi, a former Egyptian doctor, advocated for a restrictive diet that discourages the consumption of insulin and other diabetes medications. He claimed that individuals could cure their diabetes by avoiding certain foods, including salad greens, eggs, and citrus fruits. This advice has led many patients to neglect their treatment, resulting in critical health situations.
Economic Factors Driving Dietary Changes
The appeal of el-tayebat lies largely in its promise of financial relief. Many patients, like 67-year-old Murad al-Adimi, who have battled diabetes for years, find the cost of medications burdensome. “The medicine is expensive, and I was thrilled to hear that simply avoiding certain foods would allow me to stop buying it,” he explained.
Medical professionals warn that this mindset can be deadly. Dr. Sadeq Aqlan, a cardiologist at the Republican Hospital, noted that most patients who stop their medications are either impoverished or lack the health literacy to critically evaluate such claims. He emphasized, “People are free to follow any diet they prefer, but patients must never discontinue prescribed medications unless explicitly approved by their doctor.”
The Impact of Misinformation on Health Choices
The rise of social media has facilitated the spread of unverified medical advice, contributing to a decline in trust in traditional healthcare. El-Awadi’s assertion that insulin is “poison” exemplifies the dangers of misinformation. Insulin is essential for diabetes management, and neglecting it can lead to severe complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal.
Despite the diet's restrictions on beneficial foods, such as leafy greens and dairy products, its popularity continues to grow. This trend highlights the urgent need for improved health literacy and access to reliable medical information, especially in regions like Yemen, where economic struggles exacerbate health issues.
- Increase in diabetes patients at Republican Hospital
- El-tayebat diet promotes avoiding insulin
- Health risks include diabetic ketoacidosis
- Economic pressures drive dietary choices
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
