OBJECTIVES: To use a model of adoption for determining various factors that influence the willingness of patients to spend more on herbal remedies that are useful in diabetes.  METHODS: In this study, survey forms were provided to 1500 patients with type 2 diabetes in 9 major government hospitals of cantral region of India. The patients included in the survey were aged 20 or older and residing in 2 major central states of India (Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh). The independent variables were patient characteristics, types of herbal therapies, social systems and communication mediums. The dependent variable was the amount spending with responses divided into monthly spending of Indian Rupee (INR) 250 (≈$5) or less and more than INR 250 (≈$5). Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between variables of adoption model and amount spent on herbal remedies. RESULTS: Out of the 1500 survey forms provided to the patients there were 85 incomplete surveys and 29 survey forms were not returned back by the patients. Thus, there were 1386 usable returned surveys. A total of 984 (71%) patients reported using herbal remedies useful in diabetes. The logistic regression was done using the 786 (56.7%) patients who spent money on herbal remedies in last one month. The overall regression was significant (P<0.05). The major influences on spending money on herbal remedies were over-the-counter (OTC) drug use, age of the patients, advertisements, consultation with the physicians practicing traditional medicine. The patients who consulted with physicians practicing traditional medicine tend to spend 6.2 times higher on herbal remedies as compared to those who do not consult. Patients aged 40 or older reported spending more on herbal remedies in comparison with younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients having information about herbal remedies from physicians and OTC drug use was positively related to spending on herbal remedies that are beneficial in diabetes. A model of adoption can be a useful tool in similar studies.