Diabetes Mellitus : Knowledge, Management and Complications : Survey Report from Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem worldwide that increases morbidity and mortality rates due to its complications. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of diabetic patients about their disease, its complications and management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient clinics of Faisalabad, Pakistan during March to May 2017. A total of 691 diabetic patients (verified from physician, medical records) were consecutively approached and a pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect their information. SPSS version 19.0 was employed for entering and analysis of the data. Results:: Out of the total 691 patients 43.3% were male and 56.7% female. About 49.1% of the patients were below 50 and 50.9% were above 50 years of age. One third of patients (33.4%) think that diabetes is a communicable disease. The majority of the patients (90%) responded that in diabetes sugar and sweets have to be cut down and 82.6% knew that exercise is important for the management of diabetes. Approximately 58% patients responded that they exercise, while 60.7% replied that they monitor and control their blood pressure. Conclusion: The overall level of awareness in diabetics was found to be low and there is a need to educate the population on this topic. Public and private health sectors need to offer holistic services and training programs for health care professionals. These programs should focus on improving communication with patients, addressing misconceptions and sharing culturally sound strategies with patients for improvement in diabetes management.

Gender-specific Knowledge of Diabetes and Its Management Among Patients Visiting Outpatient Clinics in Faisalabad, Pakistan

“…Studies have reported that knowledge of and awareness about a disease can have positive effects on patients’ health outcomes, such as increased compliance to the medication and less chances of hospital admission etc. [ 10 - 12 ].…”

Awareness and Lifestyle Practices among Type-II Diabetics Pertaining to the Disease Attended at Outpatient Clinics of Nawabshah, Shaheed Benazirabad

“…If there is knowledge regarding the disease along with awareness as reported by some studies there will be less chances of patient noncompliance and positive health outcomes can be achieved by the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment [10,11]. The burden of the disease would be reduced and this is possible with the improved disease awareness, that will play a vital role for the management of disease and also to reduce disease related complications [8].…”