Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Tumkur Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The two primary forms are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Effective management of the disease is strongly influenced by patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), as improved KAP is associated with reduced risks of complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia, atherosclerosis, neuropathy, and retinopathy. This prospective observational study was conducted over three months to evaluate the KAP levels among individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. A total of 161 patients participated, including 83 males and 78 females. The age distribution was 2.48% (18–29 years), 15.52% (30–39 years), 32.29% (40–49 years), and 49.68% (50 years and above). In terms of social habits, 8.69% were smokers, 3.10% were alcoholics, 16.14% had both habits, and 72% had none. The presence of co-morbidities was also recorded: cardiovascular conditions (65.21%), central nervous system disorders (29.19%), renal issues (42.85%), hepatic complications (36%), respiratory problems (3.72%), retinopathy (11.18%), infections (3.72%), and others (20.49%). Based on blood glucose levels, 0.62% of patients had hypoglycaemia, 21.11% were pre-diabetic, and 78.88% were diagnosed with diabetes. The findings indicate that most patients possessed satisfactory knowledge and demonstrated good practices, although attitudes toward disease management were relatively less favorable. The study highlights the importance of clinical pharmacists in patient education and underscores the need for structured awareness initiatives focused on lifestyle modification and effective diabetes control.