An exploratory investigation associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and public awareness regarding diabetes and its complications

Naveena Ponnam; Dwaraka Burgula; Akhila Marka; Sridhar Bathula; Shyam Sunder Anchuri; Nagesh Adla

Naveena Ponnam Department of Pharmacy Practice, Balaji Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India
Dwaraka Burgula Department of Pharmacy Practice, Balaji Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India
Akhila Marka Department of Pharmacy Practice, Balaji Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India
Sridhar Bathula Department of Medicine, Endocrinologist, Samraksha Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrine Super Speciality Hospital and Research Centre, Warangal, Telangana, India
Shyam Sunder Anchuri Department of Pharmacy Practice, Balaji Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India
Nagesh Adla Department of Pharmacy Practice, Balaji Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India

Keywords: awareness, communication, cross-sectional study, diabetes mellitus, prevalence, patient education

Abstract

Living with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) involves various challenges, including acute metabolic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar nonketotic coma, as well as chronic systemic complications like retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disorders. Psychosocial well-being is also impacted, with prevalent concerns like sexual dysfunction and hearing impairment. Our observational study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetic complications and patient awareness. The study was conducted in Warangal, Telangana, India, from December 2021 to May 2022. We collected data from 300 type II diabetes mellitus patients using designed questionnaires and conducted a statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism 9.4.0, specifically employing a Chi-square test where a P-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The study disclosed a higher prevalence of neuropathy (74%) and a heightened awareness of nephropathy’s complications compared to neuropathy within the overall population. Among participants, 56.00% were aware of diabetic complications, while 44.00% had no awareness. Rural areas had 63.63% of participants without awareness, while urban areas had 36.3%. Rural females exhibited poorer awareness compared to rural males. Overall, the study emphasizes the significance of managing DM complications, particularly diabetic neuropathy, and the need for enhancing patient education through effective communication between physicians/clinical pharmacists and patients.