Abstract

Awareness about routine laboratory investigations amongst Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients and its impact on their disease status

Author(s): Dr. Prakruti Dash1, Dr. Rajlaxmi Tiwari2, Dr. Saurav Nayak3

Introduction: Routine laboratory biochemical blood investigations are an integral part of therapeutic intervention and early diagnosis and prevention of Diabetic complications. This study was undertaken to assess the level of awareness amongst already diagnosed Diabetes mellitus patients regarding the laboratory investigations, their importance, time interval, and relevance to the disease process through a validated questionnaire form. Materials and Methods: The enrolled Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients in the age group 30-80 years of both sexes were given a validated self-administered study questionnaire consisting of 10 questions related to various routine laboratory tests required to be done at specified time intervals for better management and prevention of complications. The awareness level was analyzed by scores assigned to each response as correct, wrong, or don’t know as 2, 1, and 0. Laboratory investigations done were FBS, PPBS, Lipid profile, Urea, Creatinine, Total protein, and Albumin. The scores of questionnaires were correlated with the laboratory results reflecting the disease status. Results: There was a gross lack of awareness about the laboratory investigations to be done for proper monitoring of the glycemic status. Participants with higher Overall scores, Monitoring scores, and Morbidity scores had their blood sugar levels in the normal range compared to participants with lower scores. Conclusion: This observation emphasized the need for proper education to the patients regarding self and timely monitoring of blood parameters related to the disease process as well as routine check-ups with the physicians in the prevention of metabolic derangements