Publication:

Awareness about diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background Awareness about diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods 50 patients of diabetes mellitus attending Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India, were randomly selected during January 2017 to March 2017. 11-point questionnaire obtained on detailed search of literature on published reports were administered by interviewers well versed in English and Gujarati.

Results Total of 50 patients were randomly selected.42%- females and 58% - males. Mean age - 58.5 years. Age range 40 to 71 years. Patients with good sugar control -26% and poor control - 74%. 94% of the patients were taking treatment for DM and 6% were not on any treatment. 48 % of the patients were illiterate, 10% were graduate and 42% had education below 12th standard. 50% were aware about DM affecting the eye .38% had taken eye treatment and 62% had not. 26% were aware of DM affecting eye inspite of good control and 26 % aware of the need of check-up in poor control. 40% aware of the complications related to DM.

Conclusions Better literacy rates is contributory to public awareness, however trend for poor practice needs to be radically changed with aggressive public motivation emphasizing the necessity of screening and follow ups.