Assessment of Level of Awareness for Management and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Among Patients in Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Diabetes mellitus (DM), a non‐communicable disease, is one of the major global causes of mortality and debility, with an increase in prevalence day by day. This study investigated the knowledge and awareness level of the patients on diabetes, risk factors, symptoms, and diabetic associated complications. Methods A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted among diabetic patients at Rajbari (Sadar) Upazilla Health Complex, Rajbari, from September 2022 to December 2022. A total of 200 diabetic patients of different ages, sexes, and levels of education participated in the survey, and the data were analyzed thereafter. Results This study indicates that two‐thirds of the participants (67.5%) have a general idea of diabetes; however most are highly reluctant to monitor their blood glucose level (61%), follow a diet chart (82.5%), do physical exercise (80%), and maintain social activities (76.5%). Only 37.5% of the respondents understand the necessity of routine check‐ups, and surprisingly, over half of the participants (53.5%) do self‐medication. Moreover, age, sex, and education related disparity were observed among many of these knowledge and awareness covariates studied. Males are more likely to have Type 2 DM, and the highest disease prevalent age range was found to be 41–60 years. Although only 37.5% of the respondents were found to be obese, the majority had a family history (60.5%) of diabetes, and almost half of the participants (48%) had smoking habits. Conclusions These findings confirm the lack of awareness regarding diabetes and its associated complications. A national awareness campaign might be launched to increase awareness among patients with diabetes.