Background: Diabetic patients often use herbal medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D), despite the differing opinions of general practitioners (GPs) on the subject. Recent studies have investigated the hypoglycemic properties of various spices and foods. This study aimed to assess GPs’ perspectives on these remedies and their willingness to recommend them to patients with T2D.

Methods: During 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted among GPs in Geneva (Switzerland). Participants completed an anonymous 22-item questionnaire that explored their opinions on hypoglycemic spices and foods, as well as their perspectives on recommending such dietary options to patients. Questionnaires were provided either in electronic or paper formats. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were employed to summarise the data.

Results: 207 GPs out of 570 responded to the questionnaire (participation rate: 36.3%), of which 58 (28%) via Web-based questionnaires and 149 (72%) via paper-based questionnaires.

Most GPs (53.1%) had never heard of the use of hypoglycemic spices and foods for the management of T2D. Few GPs (21.7%) had already recommended their use to their patients. A majority of GPs (74.3%) were willing to recommend these food products, with 58.2% confident in doing so. However, a significant number of GPs (41.3%) were uncertain about the effectiveness of this hypothetical intervention and their understanding of its mechanism (31.7%).

Conclusions: These findings indicate that although many GPs were previously unfamiliar with hypoglycemic spices and foods, the majority were willing to incorporate them into T2D management. Yet, some GPs expressed uncertainty, notably regarding the effectiveness of such food products. Future research should address these doubts.