In a first of its kind pan-India survey studying the impact diabetes has on patients and their families, over 66 % of the respondents said that they were moderately to highly affected by the disease, with 62 % expressing concerns related to the emotional aspects, especially worrying about their families' future.
Who participated in the survey?
The survey analysed the beliefs and attitudes of 644 diabetes patients on a number of parameters such as social aspects, emotional aspects, personal, family and professional life. The survey was conducted across key metro cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore and tier-II cities like Indore, Lucknow and Cochin.
What were the findings?
Around 40 to 45 % of the patients were concerned about their social, personal and work-related aspects. This underlines the need for better awareness regarding the sensitivities of people with diabetes.
The survey found that 58 % of the patients had sleeping problems, while 56 % suffered from depression.
The study also found that the average age of diabetes detection was 44 to 45 years and over 50 % did not follow a proper diet or do the physical exercise that is required to control the disease.
The survey also found that half the patients were either overweight (38 %) or obese (12 %) and less than half followed diet control measures. The level of physical activity was low as well, with nearly two-thirds of them mentioning that they did not engage in physical activities.
Diabetics must lead a happy life, says doc
Talking about the report, Dr Shashank Joshi, president, API (Association of Physicians of India) and endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital, said, “The impact of diabetes on the human body is widely known. However, the impact of its psychosocial burden is still not fully recognised. Many people with diabetes still face significant social and emotional challenges which have a cascading effect on other aspects of diabetes management such as self-management and adherence to treatment.”
“In disease like diabetes, where the patient becomes dependent on other things, depression, anxiety and emotional problems trickle in. They need positive reinforcement. Diabetes patient need to live happy lives,” said Dr Joshi.
Dr Joshi added that this is where the physician's role becomes very important. “A physician plays an important role in helping the patient cope with the condition by providing relevant medical information and counseling the person as well as family members. However, there is a need for more in-depth education and awareness to empower the patient to self-manage his diabetes,” said Dr Joshi.
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