Awareness of diabetes mellitus and its complications among students in a Malaysian university

Abstract

Background: In Malaysia, the prevalence of diabetes in 2006 was 11.6% and 22.6% in 2013, a two-fold increase. Aim: This study aims to find out the level of awareness and knowledge on type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus and its complications among university students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire which is developed based on the information drawn from the literature regarding awareness and complications of T2D. Results: Most of the respondents knew that consuming sugar-containing foods can lead to diabetes and DM is controllable but not curable. Most of them know that DM causes increased frequency of urination and increased thirst. They also know that DM can affect any part of the body and the wound takes long time to heal. Unfortunately, only 50% of respondent aware that diabetes can damage kidney, blood flow to heart is decreased, and DM can cause loss of sensation in hands and feet and blindness. 61.5% of respondent knew that eating wheat and leafy vegetables are advisable for diabetic patient. 34.5% responded eating potato, banana, and rice is advisable and 4% responded consuming soft drinks and fruit juices is advisable. Conclusion: Students in AIMST have good awareness on DM. Awareness about DM among university students will help to play a crucial role in fight against DM and to prevent complications of DM.