Awareness and Perception of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus(T1DM) in Non-Diabetics at a Teaching Hospital in Lahore Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: T1DM is a chronic disease, with usual onset in children, caused due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells resulting in inability to produce insulin. To decrease morbidity and mortality caused by T1DM, it is pertinent to educate and spread awareness regarding this disease.  The aim of the present study was to assess perception and awareness regarding diagnosis and management of T1DM among non-diabetics.

Methodology: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate perception and knowledge of T1DM in non-diabetics coming to OPD of CMA Hospital, Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University Lahore Pakistan from March 2023 to May 2023. A 14-point predesigned questionnaire about T1DM knowledge was distributed among non-diabetic participants, aged 20-50 years, of either gender. SPSS version 26.0 was used for analysis of data.

Results: Fifty non-diabetic participants were included, with the majority (28, 56.0%) aged 31 to 40 years. Fourteen (28.0%) participants were aged 30 years or younger, while 08 (16.0%) participants were older than 40 years. Eighteen (36.0%) participants were female and 32 (54.0%) were male. Fourteen (28.0%) participants belonged to urban residential background while 36 (72.0%) belonged to rural background. Based on educational status, 21 (42.0%) were graduates and 29 (58.0%) were undergraduates. Responses to individual questions are shown in table 1. Although majority (44, 88.0%) of participants had heard about diabetes mellitus, awareness of T1DM was low (17, 28.0%). Only 12 (24.0%) were aware that diabetes can affect children.

Conclusion: Awareness about T1DM is alarmingly low. To increase public knowledge about T1DM campaigns, seminars and broadcasts on radio, TV and social media should be planned and disseminated.