Myths about diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is common and so are myths. Myths about diabetes in the society are a hurdle against the proper management of this easily manageable disease. The aim of this study was to find various myths about diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the private clinic of the author in 2009. 100 consecutive diabetic patients were included in this study. A self administered questionnaire was used to get information about demography and the myths about diabetes in a “Yes” and “No” format. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 10.

Results: The most common myth in the diabetic population is “eating more sugar causes diabetes” (89%). It is closely followed by two myths about Insulin which are: “Insulin means it’s the final stage of diabetes” (86%) and “Once you start taking pills or insulin, you can eat anything that you want” (85%). Myths were significantly more common in un-educated people, females and diabetes of less than 5 years duration.

Conclusion: The prevalence of myths about diabetes is high in uneducated people, females and diabetes of less than 5 years duration.