Effect of a diabetes education camp on perception of insulin therapy in patients of type-2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus is a pandemic now and most of the patients are treated on OHAs. There are very specific indications to initiate insulin therapy. However, very often, physician's attempt to introduce insulin is met with stiff resistance from the patient. Methods: This was a single-centre, cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey study, conducted in order to assess the perception of Insulin therapy among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as well to see the effects of a structured 'Diabetes Education Program' on this perception. Pre-Education & Post-Education data was compiled and analyzed. Result: Out of 88 subjects, 60 were males and 28 females. 14 subjects were on non-pharmaceutical management, 67 were on OHAs only and 7 were taking OHAs+Insulins. Worst Pre-Education perceptions were about: feeling fault of self (in the sense of inability to control diabetes), feeling that insulin therapy means that disease has become much worse. Younger patients and better educated patients had better perceptions about insulin therapy. There was significant Post-Education improvement was found in perception, across all four groups. Conclusion: This Study could identify the worst perception problems for initiation of insulin therapy in patients of type-2 diabetes. A structured 'Diabetes Education Program was highly effective in improving patients' perception about insulin therapy. Patient's education level and availability of 'Diabetes Education Program' were the two most important factors in determining the level of perception of insulin therapy in serving soldiers & their families.