Epidemiological Study on Complications of Diabetes and its Treatment Options

Diabetes is a major health hazard with its attendant acute and long-term complications. Globally type-2 diabetes were 15.1 million in 2000. The number of people with diabetes worldwide is projected to increase to 36.6 million by 2030. Diabetes incidence is higher in developing countries than developed countries. A physician’s based study was carried out in 4 Rayalaseema districts, Kadapa, Anantapuramu, Kurnool and Chittor. About 100 physicians who include Diabetologists, Cardiologists and General Physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to determine the prevalence of diabetic complications and their possible treatment options. Physicians responded that about 46% of the diabetic population was having associated complications like diabetic hypertension, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic foot. Among those females showing a significantly higher prevalence than males. Among the diabetics, the prevalence of diabetic hypertension, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic foot, diabetic gastroparesis and diabetic retinopathy were 30%, 25%, 15%, 10%, 8% and 7% of the patients respectively. The prevalence of the diabetes and its associated complications were increased with age and duration of the diabetes. All the diabetic populations need to be treated with suitable prevention and control strategies. As the prevention is better than cure community programmes need to be implemented to create the awareness among the diabetic population.