46 per cent of patients confessed to being concerned about lifelong dependence on medications, and 49 per cent expressed concern about the future risk of medical complications
Practo survey reveals that 70 per cent of people with diabetes (diabetic and pre-diabetic patients) want to make changes in lifestyle and diet for a better quality of life. The survey was conducted to understand patients’ attitudes and preferences in managing diabetes and the current scenario of diabetes management in India.
The data collected from close to 200 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients showed that nearly 40 per cent of them do not regularly consult their doctors for diabetes. And what’s interesting is that more men with diabetes consulted doctors compared to women with diabetes.
Another noteworthy finding is that when confronted with their diagnosis, 46 per cent of patients confessed to being concerned about lifelong dependence on medications, and 49 per cent expressed concern about the future risk of medical complications. Despite this, almost half of the patients admitted to not being physically active, and almost two-thirds of patients had never consulted with a nutritionist or dietitian. This is despite equal enthusiasm from both men and women to adopt improved dietary habits to manage their diabetes.
These insights highlight two critical aspects in diabetes management among patients:
- A significant contrast between what patients intend to do and what they actually do
- The absence of a structured program that promotes overall wellness, which affects behavioural change and implementation, and positively impacts motivation.
There is now emerging evidence worldwide that a holistic approach to diabetes can prevent and even put diabetes into remission. A breakthrough research trial called the DiRECT trial from the United Kingdom changed the landscape of diabetes management. It revealed that type 2 diabetes which was often deemed permanent and progressive can be placed in remission through lifestyle intervention. By sustained positive healthy diet changes, physical activity and resultant weight loss, patients can achieve diabetes remission i.e. bringing blood sugars back into the normal range without the aid of medications.
The survey was conducted among close to 200 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients from which 66 per cent were male and 34 per cent were female. From the surveyed patients 49 per cent were employed, 23 per cent were homemakers and 29 per cent were retired. The survey was also presented at the international Diabetes UK conference in Liverpool UK (P341).
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