Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence and incidence of diabetes in South Africa are high and are expected to increase. Mortality and morbidity may be related to hypoglycaemia, and there is limited information on hypoglycaemia from private practice sites. The aim of this study was to assess patients’ education about, knowledge of and response to hypoglycaemia.MethodsThe study site was a general practice, and participants were all patients with diabetes who presented to the practice over a 1-month period. Data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire and analysed descriptively.FindingsMost respondents were South Africans of Indian origin and were diagnosed with diabetes at a relatively young age. Despite attending a private practice, most had low incomes and low schooling levels. Just under half reported having experienced hypoglycaemia, and there was a strong association between hypoglycaemia and insulin use. Many reported never having received any education around hypoglycaemia.DiscussionThe study highlights the need for early screening for diabetes in this vulnerable population. Hypoglycaemic education should consider low schooling levels even in a private general practice, and further study is required on the quality and frequency of education provided in general practice.
Highlights
The prevalence and incidence of diabetes in South Africa are high and are expected to increase
The vast majority of respondents described themselves as South Africans of Indian origin (98%)
This study has significant implications for primary care physicians caring for patients with diabetes (PWD)
Summary
The prevalence and incidence of diabetes in South Africa are high and are expected to increase. The aim of this study was to assess patients’ education about, knowledge of and response to hypoglycaemia. Throughout sub-Saharan Africa the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) remain high, and the general population-prevalence is expected to increase from 4.3% to 5.0% between 2012 and 2030.1 The rise in prevalence and associated diabetic morbidity and mortality is multifactorial and includes rapid urbanisation, obesity, physical inactivity, low income and its influence on social habits, lack of healthcare infrastructures, lack of access to healthcare professionals and patients’ poor knowledge of the disease.[1] Several of these factors such as urbanisation, obesity and lack of access to healthcare professionals are pertinent in the South African context. Prevention and control of hypoglycaemia is one of the major considerations for the primary care physicians when adopting a patient-centred approach to the management of DM.[7]
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