Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetes in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-sectional study

Aim: To check for Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetes amongst Diabetic Patients. Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide; it leads to devastating human, social and economic impact. Poor patient knowledge of recommended diabetic self‑care practices is a major barrier toward attainment of good glycemic control and prevention of diabetic complications. Methodology: A Study was performed in 66 diabetic patients age 18 or above years both male and female. A structured questionnaire “Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire” was filled by Diabetic patients and submitted questionnaire on google form. Results: The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference in knowledge on diabetes among different age groups, but there is no significant difference in knowledge among different gender and education level. Out of 66 respondents, (53.3%) knew that diabetes is actually a condition characterized by raised blood sugar. (46.7%) are unaware of cause of diabetes. (40%) were aware of hereditary significance of diabetes. (60%) of participants responded that diabetes can be cured. Age and education level of respondents were found to be predominant predictive factors on diabetes knowledge, whereas the gender of respondents did not affect findings of this study. Low level of knowledge of diabetes was a predictor of poor glycemic control but not medication adherence. Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness of diabetes in patients having diabetes is found low. Future studies should explore low-cost health education interventions feasible in Indian health care context for improving patient knowledge of diabetes. Better knowledge of diabetes can improve glycemic control and treatment satisfaction in patients.