Gender-specific Knowledge of Diabetes and Its Management Among Patients Visiting Outpatient Clinics in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging public health concern. The aim of this study was to assess the gender-specific knowledge of patients about diabetes mellitus, its complications, and its management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient clinics of Faisalabad, Pakistan, from November 2017 to March 2018. Consecutive patients with diabetes, aged >18 years, were administered a validated questionnaire related to knowledge of diabetes, its complications, and its management. An analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results were stratified on the basis of gender and were compared using chi-square tests. Results: Of the 840 patients recruited, 76.4% were aged >50 years. About 57% were women, and 43% were men. Most men (89.4%) and women (91.7%) were aware that the management of diabetes requires a cutting down in the consumption of refined sugar, and 64.6% and 50.4%, respectively, reported that they exercise regularly to control their glucose levels. Moreover, 14% of the men and 25% of the women responded that they knew neuropathy is a complication of diabetes. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus has debilitating effects on patients and communities. To effectively manage diabetes and to delay the development of complications, there is a dire need to educate patients, families, and communities.