TAIZ — Egyptian medical authorities revoked the medical license of former doctor Diaa el-Awadi and closed two of his health clinics in March. Egypt's health ministry identified el-Awadi as a health risk.

El-Awadi, who died in May in the United Arab Emirates of a heart attack, claimed diabetes patients did not need to take insulin or pills and described insulin as poison. Egyptian authorities stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. El-Awadi advocated for a restrictive diet that avoids salad greens, citrus fruits, eggs, and legumes.

The Republican Hospital in Taiz, Yemen, has observed an increase in patients, including individuals with diabetes who stopped taking prescribed medication. These patients were followers of el-tayebat, a diet and health philosophy promoted by el-Awadi. Murad al-Adimi, a 67-year-old construction laborer in Taiz with more than 15 years of diabetes, stopped taking his medication for 10 days after learning about el-Awadi's diet and subsequently fainted. He received treatment at the Republican Hospital.

"My happiness was short-lived," al-Adimi said. "I saved money on prescriptions, but I was about to lose my life." He added, "It was a mistake not to follow my doctor's instructions." Al-Adimi advised other patients: "My advice to all diabetes patients is never to stop your medication without consulting your doctor, or you will fall victim to rumours."

Cardiologist Sadeq Aqlan from the Republican Hospital in Taiz noted that many patients discontinue medication due to economic reasons or a lack of health literacy. "Most patients who stop taking their medication are either impoverished individuals who view the diet as an economic reprieve from high prescription costs, or those who lack the health literacy to critically evaluate online claims," Aqlan said. He added, "People are free to follow any diet they prefer, but patients must never discontinue prescribed medications unless explicitly approved by their doctor." Nutritionist Maram Fuad from Yemen stated that banning entire food groups without scientific basis can lead to nutritional deficiencies.