Lifestyle, dietary and treatment adherence pattern of uncontrolled diabetics in coastal Karnataka, India

Background: Diabetes Mellitus shows a rising trend in India, driven by a combination of factors like sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and tobacco use. The cornerstone for interventions to reduce this is lifestyle modification. Aim & Objective: This study aims to determine lifestyle behaviours among uncontrolled diabetics in rural South India. Settings and Design: This is a pilot study conducted as part of a community trial which enrolled uncontrolled diabetics (Glycosylated haemoglobin, HbA1C of 7% or more) selected from baseline survey of 2 RBS readings. Methods and Material: The sociodemographic details, lifestyle habits and treatment adherence of eligible participants were recorded with a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: Data was compared among 2 groups of poor glycaemic control using Chi square test. Results: There was no significant association of age or gender with HbA1C levels. Majority were non-smokers, non-alcoholics and did not exercise. Higher proportions of those with hospital admissions, longer duration of disease and less frequent check-ups had poor control; but these were not statistically significant. Dietary control was inadequate. However, there were no significant association of dietary habits with poor control. Conclusions: Although overall adherence to medication and follow up was satisfactory, lifestyle modification is not being sufficiently followed.