Abstract:
Background: Type 2 diabetes is a major lifestyle disease often
seen with comorbidities or complications. This study is conducted to find out the
gender-wise prevalence of comorbidities and medication adherence among the
diabetics in Malappuram. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted
among the 179 diabetics selected for the study. A pre-tested interview schedule
was used to collect information about their socio-demographic details, clinical
characteristics, co-morbidities and awareness on complications. Anthropometric
measurements and blood pressure of each patient were recorded. Body Mass
Index, Waist Hip Ratio and Household Dietary Diversity Score were calculated.
The results were analyzed statistically. Results: The selected diabetics
comprised of 46.4% males and 53.6% females. Around 91% of them were
sedentary workers. Early-onset of diabetes at the age of 35-45 years was
reported among males (p<0.05). Blood sugar monitoring, insulin usage, and
exercise were higher among males while the medication regularity was higher
among females. Higher prevalence of obesity (62.5%), hypertension (53.1%)
and hypercholesterolemia (59.5%) were observed among the female diabetics.
The prevalence of retinopathy (15.7%) and heart diseases (13.3%) were higher
among the males. 76 percent of diabetics had poor awareness of complications
of diabetes in which females outnumbered males (p<0.01). Conclusion: High
prevalence of comorbidities and lack of awareness on complications emphasizes
the necessity of mass and individual counseling on diabetes and its self-care
measures to the diabetics.
