Diabetics in India Prone to Heart Disease

Introduction

LifespanD-MYTH 2014, a study conducted to map people's perceptions along with behavior-related outcomes of diabetes management, revealed that a whopping 50% of diabetics in the country are at risk of developing heart diseases, 63% are at risk of getting micro-vascular complications and many have an enhanced risk of developing eye problems, especially retinopathy.

Main Item

The study brings to light poor diabetes management amongst Indians which it links to ignorance and to the prevalence of myths.

The unique Diabetes Myths & Truths Highlighter (Lifespan D-MYTH 2014) study, conducted by LIFESPAN, a thought leader in the management of diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders, made several disconcerting revelations regarding people's perceptions about the disease, their practices and its effects in terms of mortality and morbidity.

The Lifespan D-MYTH 2014 study was conducted among 5065 Indians in 16 cities on a one-to-one basis, and the data collected was compared with cumulative data from 10,074 patients who visited Lifespan and took Lifespan's R.I.S.C.TM test.

Establishing a direct correlation between ignorance, poor diabetes management and high morbidity and mortality, Lifespan introduced the unique US FDA cleared R.I.S.C.TM Test in India which showed that 80% of diabetics in the country have higher cardiometabolic scores (used to predict heart disease risk), a whopping 50% are ignorant about the fact that diabetes could lead to heart disease.

The study conducted by Lifespan also revealed that while 63% diabetics in India are at risk of developing micro-vascular complications, which may in turn lead to eye problems, while 36% Indians are completely unaware that diabetes is even linked with eye problems. Further, the study showed that while 60% of diabetics in the country suffer from autonomic nervous system dysfunction, 38% Indians are clueless that diabetes can affect their sexual life.

"The study's findings are unique in terms of the insights it provides on people's perceptions about diabetes and its effects on morbidity and mortality. Considering the huge burden of diabetes on the country, the findings should help us lay out a roadmap to ensure its prevention and management", said Mr. Ashok Jain, Group MD and CEO, Lifespan Wellness Pvt. Ltd, who has been living with diabetes for the last 19 years, and whose struggle with it inspired him to set up the clinic chain to help and support people like himself.

As for diet and medication, the study's findings again fell in the same pattern of ignorance and faulty practices. The study showed that:

• 29% of diabetics use honey/jaggery with 41% found believing these are actually good for people suffering from diabetes.
• 33% regularly consume juices, which have high glycemic index (not good for diabetes), with nearly 1 out of 2 considering all fruit juices good for diabetes.
• While it is well established that bitter gourd (karela) and fenugreek (methi) cannot treat diabetes, 40% believe eating them can cure them of diabetes; 27% were found to be taking these alone to deal with diabetes before visiting Lifespan.
• 42% Indians believe that herbal treatment can cure diabetes, oblivious to the fact that usage of herbs may lead to toxicity to kidneys.

"Considering the role of diet and medication in diabetes management, it is very important to counsel and educate people and rectify their faulty perceptions. The study's findings may give us a direction for devising and streamlining awareness initiatives for effective prevention and management of diabetes," said Mr. Jain.

Continued below image.

Continued...

Key Findings

• 63% diabetics are at risk of developing micro-vascular complications.
• 60% diabetics suffer from autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
• 50% Indians have no idea that diabetes is a disease of the Pancreas.
• While 56% were found to have co-morbid conditions like High Blood Pressure, Hypothyroidism, Diabetic Neuropathy, Heart Disease, Atherosclerosis etc, 30% believe in the myth that diabetes is not a serious medical condition.
• 34% diabetics had a family history of diabetes, 40% had no idea that it was linked with their diabetes and a significant 26% of Indians believed diabetes skips a generation.
• 24% diabetics are below the age of 40.
• 2 out of 3 diabetics die from heart diseases or stroke.
• 27% Indians do not take border-line diabetes seriously.

The Lifespan D-MYTH survey is one of the most comprehensive surveys in the world in terms of sample size. 3,274 male respondents and 1,791 female respondents, spread across 16 cities participated in the Myth survey; while cumulative data from the 10,074 patients who visited Lifespan's 25 clinics across the country was used for the Truth survey. The patients were typical LIFESPAN clinic visitors. Age had no impact on the myth-belief system and across all age groups, the myths were the same.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by VIA Media Health Communications, and published on 2014/11/17 (Edit Update: 2020/11/22), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, VIA Media Health Communications can be contacted at viamediahealth.com. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): VIA Media Health Communications. (2014, November 17 - Last revised: 2020, November 22). Diabetics in India Prone to Heart Disease. Disabled World. Retrieved October 11, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/diabetes/d-myth.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/diabetes/d-myth.php">Diabetics in India Prone to Heart Disease</a>: Study shows poor diabetes management among Indians linked to ignorance and prevalence of myths.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.