Incidence of Treatment Delays among Patients with Diabetes: A Clinic-based Cross-sectional Descriptive Study in India

Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic, with an increasing number of undiagnosed individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is limited data on treatment delays among drug-naïve patients in India. The present study aimed to ascertain the incidence of treatment delay among drug-naïve patients and the sequence of alternate treatments sought since diagnosis.

This cross-sectional, multicentric, observational study was conducted across 10 primary and secondary care settings in Mumbai from October 2023 to April 2024. Adults of either gender, diagnosed with T2DM, who are drug-naïve, were included. Patient's demographic data, comorbidities, current medications, and medical history were recorded in an electronic case report form and analyzed.

Of the 625 patients enrolled, 591 completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 years. The proportion of male patients was 54.1%. Overall, 57% of patients had no treatment delays, while 43% experienced delays of ≥3 months. Patients with treatment delays of ≥3 months used alternative/traditional medicines (56.0%), with Ayurveda being preferred by 56.7% of these patients.

The study indicated considerable treatment delays among drug-naïve patients in India.