Mind the Gap: Exploring Discrepancies in Perception and Practice among Diabetes Mellitus Patients and their Caregivers

Introduction: Effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle changes, medication, and glucose monitoring. However, a significant gap exists between perception and practice, causing suboptimal management and complications. This study aimed to explore these gaps. Materials: This observational study involved 750 participants, including T2DM patients and caregivers at Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru. Data were collected through interviews using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire over 18 months, focusing on perceptions of complications, treatment, and implementation of lifestyle modifications and their practices. Results: The study majorly involved middle-class men aged 41–70, recognizing T2DM as lifelong due to lifestyle and genetics. While 97.9% of patients and 99.2% of caregivers valued lifestyle changes, adherence—especially in exercise (56.8%)—was low. Awareness of organ damage from uncontrolled T2DM was high, but understanding of specific complications was lacking. Additionally, 93.9% believed long-term use of medications harms organs, possibly affecting adherence. Compliance with regular checkups was low (45.1%), and 68.3% of caregivers felt doctors’ counseling was insufficient, indicating a need for better education and communication. Understanding of doctors’ explanations was limited (34.7% patients, 32.3% caregivers). Conclusion: The study highlights the gap between knowledge and practice and the need for enhancing healthcare communication. Effective management of DM necessitates translating good perception to practice. Mere dissemination of information through educational methods is insufficient; education must go beyond informing patients and actively encouraging patients to apply them. To achieve this, innovative methods should be explored.