Assessing Knowledge Gaps on Diabetes Prevention Among Biology Graduates: A Study in Pondicherry
Samyuktha P 1, Pugazharasan 1*, Kuberan 1
Journal of Angiotherapy 5(2) 1-5 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherapy.52121662921211221
Submitted: 29 November 2021 Revised: 29 November 2021 Published: 21 December 2021
Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus represents a significant global health issue, with its prevalence steadily increasing. In 2014, approximately 422 million people were living with diabetes, highlighting an urgent need for effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the existing knowledge about diabetes among biology graduates in Pondicherry, India, to enhance awareness of its root causes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 642 participants using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering essential fatty acids, glycation, glycemic index, autoimmune responses to gluten, and types of diabetes. Results: Results revealed that only 17% of participants understood the role of essential fatty acids in cell membranes, 25% were aware of glycation processes, and 28% recognized the autoimmune risks associated with gluten-rich foods. Awareness of low glycemic index foods was noted in 45%, while 44% understood that muscle glycogen does not enter the bloodstream. Most participants were knowledgeable about insulin action (93%), types of diabetes (90%), and symptoms of diabetes (100%). Despite this, only 15% demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of diabetes's root causes and preventive measures. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for enhanced educational efforts focused on the preventive aspects of diabetes, including dietary influences and cellular mechanisms. Addressing these gaps through targeted public health initiatives and educational programs is crucial for effective diabetes prevention and management.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Preventive Education, Essential Fatty Acids, Glycation, Knowledge Assessment
References
American Diabetes Association. (2018). Economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. in 2017. Diabetes Care, 41(5), 917–928.
Aziz, Z., Absetz, P., Oldroyd, J., Pronk, N. P., & Oldenburg, B. (2015). A systematic review of real-world diabetes prevention programs: Learnings from the last 15 years. Implementation Science, 10, 172.
Baig, A. A., Benitez, A., Quinn, M. T., & Burnet, D. L. (2015). Family interventions to improve diabetes outcomes for adults. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1353(1), 89–112.
Bhopal, R. S., Douglas, A., Wallia, S., et al. (2014). Effect of a lifestyle intervention on weight change in South Asian individuals in the UK at high risk of type 2 diabetes: A family-cluster randomized controlled trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2(3), 218–227.
Brenan, M. (2020). Women still handle main household tasks in U.S. GALLUP. https://news.gallup.com/poll/283979/women-handle-main-household-tasks.aspx
Campbell, M., McKenzie, J. E., Sowden, A., et al. (2020). Synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) in systematic reviews: Reporting guideline. BMJ, 368.
Cannon, M. J., Masalovich, S., Ng, B. P., et al. (2020). Retention among participants in the National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Change Program, 2012–2017. Diabetes Care, 43(9), 2042–2049.
Constantino, M. I., Molyneaux, L., Limacher-Gisler, F., et al. (2013). Long-term complications and mortality in young-onset diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is more hazardous and lethal than type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 36(12), 3863–3869.
Covidence systematic review software [Computer program]. (2022). Australia: Veritas Health Innovation.
Dabelea, D., Mayer-Davis, E. J., Saydah, S., et al. (2014). Prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents from 2001 to 2009. JAMA, 311(17), 1778–1786.
Deepa, M., Bhansali, A., Anjana, R. M., Pradeepa, R., Joshi, S. R., & Joshi, P. P. (2014). Knowledge and awareness of diabetes in urban and rural India: The Indian Council of Medical Research India Diabetes Study (Phase I): Indian Council of Medical Research India Diabetes 4. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 18, 379–385.
Gierer, P., & Mittlmeier, T. (2015). Femoral neck fracture. Unfallchirurg, 118(3), 259–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00113-014-2729-6
Li, R., Zhang, P., & Wang, J. (2018). The economic costs of type 2 diabetes: A global systematic review. PharmacoEconomics, 33, 811–831. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-015-0268-9
Rameez, H., Bindu, R., Anantharaman, G., Mahesh, G., Sanjai, S., & Justin, J. (2016). Knowledge and awareness about diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in suburban population of a South Indian state and its practice among the patients with diabetes mellitus: A population-based study. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 64, 272–276. https://doi.org/10.4103/0301-4738.182937
Seuring, T., Archangelidi, O., & Suhrcke, M. (2015). The economic costs of type 2 diabetes: A global systematic review. PharmacoEconomics, 33, 811–831. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-015-0268-9
Shaw, J. E., & Sicree, R. A. (2010). Global estimates of the prevalence of diabetes for 2010 and projections for 2030. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 87(1), 4–14.
World Health Organization. (2016). Global report on diabetes. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/204871
View Dimensions
View Altmetric
Save
Citation
View
Share