A community based study on prevalence, knowledge and self-care practices of diabetes mellitus in Punjab

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM)is a chronic, non-communicable, and expensive public health disease which is fast becoming the epidemic of 21st century. Regular screening of adults is essential for early detection and care. This study assessed the prevalence and awareness of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Rural and Urban field practice area a Tertiary care teaching Hospital in Punjab.A Cross-sectional community based study among 950 adults above 20 years of age was undertaken in field practice area of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Punjab. Data was collected on socio-demographic variables. Diabetes was diagnosed as per WHO criteria, i.e. if Fasting blood glucose levels were >/= 126 mg/dL or a 2-h post load glucose = 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) during an OGTT.Structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge & practices regarding Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus , in the present study was found to be 10.0% (7.4% in Rural & 12.6% in Urban area) with known cases of Diabetes Mellitus being 6.9% of study participants. Nearly 100% study subjects reported that they were aware about a condition called Diabetes and were aware that it is a noninfectious disease and can occur at any age. The most common symptom of Diabetes Mellitus identified was increased frequency of urination andIntake of sweets/sugar was most common risk factor. However knowledge about other risk factorsand complications of Diabetes Mellituswas poor. Out of 95 diabetics, only 69.5% of diabetic subjects were using medication regularly, 61.1% got their blood glucose monitored regularly, 55.8% made specific dietary changes & 34.7% consulted the physician regularly.This study emphasises the need for increasing Diabetes Mellitus awareness in both urban and rural areas.