A recent study, released on the eve of the World Diabetes Day, has revealed that only an abysmal 21 per cent people had a fairly good knowledge of diabetes. The study, Diabetes: Myths and Truths, showed that while 78 per cent of diabetics in the country have higher cardiometabolic scores (used to predict heart disease risk), one in three Indians are ignorant about the fact that diabetes could lead to heart disease.
The study, conducted by Lifespan, also showed that while 69 per cent diabetics have a higher risk of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, 40 per cent are unaware that the disease can cause numbness in their hands, fingers and feet which can progress to neuropathy.
The study found that 38 per cent of Indians have no idea that diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas. About 41 per cent diabetics had a family history of diabetes, 45 per cent had no idea that their children have higher chance of getting diabetes and a significant 36 per cent of them believed diabetes skips a generation.
The study also shows that while 24 per cent diabetics are below the age of 40, a whopping 60 per cent believe diabetes occurs in old age. Some 32 per cent Indians do not take border-line diabetes seriously. And 40 per cent are unable to identify dizziness and sweating as signs of low sugar and one in three are ignorant about signs and symptoms of high blood sugar level.
With regards to diet and control of diabetes, the results fell in similar pattern of ignorance and faulty practices. The study showed that 27 per cent of diabetics use honey/jaggery/fruit juices, while 44 per cent found believing these are actually good for people suffering from diabetes.
While it is well-established scientifically that bitter gourd (karela) and fenugreek (methi) cannot treat diabetes, 53 per cent believe that eating them can cure them of diabetes. And 29 per cent were found to be taking these alone to deal with diabetes.
With respect to diet and lifestyle modification, the Lifespan study revealed that 53 per cent are ignorant about the fact that losing five to 10 per cent of their weight can help control blood sugar levels. On the contrary, 42 per cent believe that avoiding sugar is enough to control diabetes.
The study was conducted among 7,822 Indians in 11 cities, and the data was compared with cumulative data from 13,697 patients who visited Lifespan clinics.
