A STUDY TO ASSESS DIABETES CARE PRACTICES AND ITS ASSOCIATED AWARENESS AMONG TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS

Diabetes mellitus, the most prevalent non-communicable disease, affecting around 150 million people in the world in 2002, 180 million people in 2003, and expected atleast there will be 330 million people in 2025[4]. Diabetes mellitus results in increased morbidity and mortality and huge financial burden over the citizens and also on the nation. Hence it is necessary to pay attention in acquiring knowledge about the disease, which will be beneficial in terms of cost effectiveness and also in prevention and management of disease. The study included total of 100 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetology outpatient clinic in Coimbatore medical college hospital. Awareness about diabetes was analysed for Knowledge , Self care practices and their understanding level about diabetic complications by providing them a Structured questionnaire which was based on the review of related journals [1,2]. The average scores on the Knowledge of diabetes and Self care practices aspects were observed to be above 50 %. Awareness regarding complications is only about 38%. lliterates had significantly lower awareness of diabetes care practices and complications. Unemployed individuals scored less compared to employed groups. Awareness regarding every aspects of diabetes among diabetic group and also for common people is the need of the hour for better control and prevention from its complications.