Awareness regarding diabetes and its complications in adults: A cross-sectional study in an urban resettlement colony of east Delhi

Abstract

Abstract Background India has the dubious distinction of being the diabetes capital just next to China having 62.4 million diabetics which is expected to rise to 100 million by 2030. Being a growing problem in India, yet little is known about the awareness levels and barriers to care among patients with diabetes. Objective To assess the awareness regarding diabetes and its complications among adults in an urban resettlement colony of east Delhi. Materials and Methods A cross sectional survey was conducted on adults >30 years (N = 580) in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi in 2014. A Semi-structured interview schedule consisting of questions regarding diabetes was used. Results Out of 580 subjects, nearly 66% had heard about “Diabetes”. Men 175 (65.5%) were more aware than women 159 (50.8%) about the fact that diabetes is treatable. Half of the study subjects didn’t know that diabetes is preventable. Most common symptoms known were increased thirst (39.6%), appetite (37.5%), and urination (37%). Majority of the study subjects 259 (67.9%) thought that diabetes occurs by eating sugar. Only few 89 (23%) knew that along with medicine, diet and exercise also had a role in the treatment. Only 50% had the correct knowledge about lifelong treatment. Conclusion As the awareness regarding diabetes was poor, health education activities regarding diabetes should be increased.