The Hindu 22.01.2010
Most urban Indians ill-informed about diabetes: Survey
Staff Reporter
Most diabetics unaware that HbA1C test is right blood glucose indicator
India has more that 50 million diabetics
NEW DELHI: Despite India having the largest population of people with diabetes in the world, more than 60 per cent of urban Indians are unaware of the fact that uncontrolled diabetes affects primary organs like the heart, kidneys and eyes.
A survey conducted in six cities -- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Ahmedabad -- using 600 respondents between the 35 to 60 years age group has revealed that almost half of the respondents without diabetes (51 per cent) felt that they would never get it. About one-fifth of the respondents regarded obesity as the primary cause of diabetes while an equal number maintained that the disease is predominantly inherited.
More than 28 per cent of the respondents said the possibility of an average Indian being affected by diabetes was low or negligible.
The survey was conducted recently by market research firm IMRB and commissioned by healthcare company Novo Nordisk.
Calling for more public-private partnerships to create awareness initiatives about diabetes, the study also revealed that most people with diabetes were unaware that the HbA1C test is the right indicator of their blood glucose control with only 15 per cent mentioning it.
The survey showed that the Capital has the highest (49 per cent) instance of family history of diabetes. The non-diabetic respondents in Delhi were the most optimistic with about 70 per cent of them stating that they were unlikely to be affected by diabetes. Almost 16 per cent of diabetics are not aware of the normal blood sugar levels. Diabetics in the city get regular blood tests done with about 85 per cent of them having undergone blood tests in the past three months.
India has more than 50 million people with diabetes and the number is expected to touch 80 million by 2025.
“What is even more a matter of concern is the fact that despite an adult prevalence rate of 6.2 per cent, only 6-7 million people are treated. Some of the results of late or inadequate treatment of diabetes include complications such as heart disease, hypertension, kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy and even death,” noted the survey.
