Knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus among patients in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India

To assess the knowledge and awareness about the risk factors, complications and management of Diabetes among patients (diabetic and nondiabetic) visiting medicine out-patient department of a hospital. A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire (Diabetes Knowledge and awareness Questionnaire) validated by seven experts on 120 patients visiting the medicine department. Diabetic patients were further assessed for the practice they follow in order to control diabetes. The knowledge of the patients was assessed using set of 5 questions. Most people were aware of the disease called as diabetes (75.8%) and risk factors (83.3%). Level of knowledge between diabetics and non-diabetics was analysed regarding risk factors, complication and management and was found to be higher in case of diabetics. Practices regarding foot care were found to be on the down side. More number of educational programs is required to enhance the level of knowledge and awareness in a country where cases of diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions.