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Patients' concepts and attitudes about diabetes
Amulya R Sircar1, Sudeep Sircar, Joydeep Sircar
1Sircar Diabetes Clinic, Mahanagar, Lucknow, India. arsircar@yahoo.com
Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Patients with poorly controlled diabetes and their families show significant gaps in understanding diabetes, its complications, and treatment. Misconceptions about diet, exercise, and insulin are common, regardless of education level.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with significant health implications.
- Patient and family understanding of diabetes influences disease management and outcomes.
- Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with increased risk of complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient and family knowledge and attitudes regarding diabetes.
- To identify misconceptions about diabetes complications, diet, exercise, and treatment.
- To evaluate understanding of insulin therapy among diabetic patients and their families.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 654 patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
- Interviews conducted with 216 immediate family members of diabetic patients.
- Data collected on concepts of diabetes, complications, diet, exercise, drug therapy, and insulin.
Main Results:
- Widespread lack of awareness regarding diabetes and its complications was observed.
- Significant misconceptions about diet (e.g., fruits, vegetables) and exercise were prevalent.
- Many patients and families denied obesity, attributing it to unrelated factors like tubal ligation.
- Temporary discontinuation of diabetes medication occurred in 189 cases.
- No statistical relationship found between misconceptions and educational background.
Conclusions:
- Patients with poorly controlled diabetes and their families exhibit profound knowledge deficits about the disease and its management.
- Denial of obesity and misconceptions about its causes were common, potentially impacting family planning.
- Misunderstandings regarding diabetes treatment, including insulin therapy, are prevalent.
- Educational attainment did not correlate with the observed misconceptions.
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