Substance abuse is a significant problem worldwide affecting the health of the individuals and has a negative impact on their relationship with society creating an economic burden on the government. There are limited studies regarding substance abuse in Saudi Arabia and its side effects as most of the cases remain un-reported. In this review, we reviewed 38 studies done among the Saudi population targeting seven substances including tobacco, alcohol, Khat, cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine and opioids to estimate the approximate prevalence of these substance abuse in Saudi Arabia. The most common substance abused was tobacco followed by amphetamines, while Khat consumption was found most common in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Alcohol consumption was one of the substances whose prevalence was found much underrated in Saudi Arabia. Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, depression and anxiety were the most common comorbidities associated with alcohol consumption. Cannabis usage was found more common in adolescents than adults and it has physical and psychological symptoms. The presence of psychotic symptoms among drug users varied depending on the severity of its abuse. Substance abuse was more common in young males due to peer pressure, which was found as the main causative factor.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by increased blood glucose levels from dysfunctional carbohydrate metabolism. Dietary intervention can help to prevent and manage the disease. Food hydrocolloids have been shown to have favorable properties in relation to glycaemic regulation. However, the use of food hydrocolloids of bacterial origin to modulate glucose responses is much less explored than other types of hydrocolloids. We, therefore, carried out the first review examining the impact of intake of food hydrocolloids of bacterial origin (as a direct supplement or incorporated into foods) on glycemic response in humans. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. They used either xanthan gum, pullulan, or dextran as interventions. There was a wide variation in the amount of hydrocolloid supplementation provided and methods of preparation. Postprandial blood glucose responses were reduced in half of the studies, particularly at higher intake levels and longer chain hydrocolloids. When xanthan gum was added to the cooking process of muffins and rice, a significant reduction in postprandial blood glucose was observed. The use of these hydrocolloids is potentially effective though more research is needed in this area.