Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS'AWARENESS ABOUT DIABETES MELLITUS DISEASE AND INSULIN UTILIZATION IN EASTERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA

Amal Khaleel Abu Alhommos*, Alya Balghonaim and Muntdhar BuSaleh

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that characterized by long-term hyperglycemia which lead to different complications. Diabetes Mellitus Type I is an autoimmune disorder characterized by destroying of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. One of the most prescribed medications in the hospital is insulin, which can be a harmful medication if not used appropriately. There were 3.4 million cases of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia in 2015, in which 109.5 per 100,000 were diagnosed as Type I Diabetes Mellitus. Objective: to assess Type I Diabetic patient's awareness about Diabetes Mellitus disease and the insulin utilization. Method: A cross section study was conducted among 65 diabetic patients from 19 Jan 2016 to 5 May 2016. The questionnaire design based on the recent literature and updated American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines 2016. It consisted of 48 questions and distributed using different social media programs, also to community pharmacies or as oral interview in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Results: Total of 65 patients filled the questionnaire, the majority were males 46 (75.38%) aged between 25 to 34 years 16 (24. 61%). The percentage of their awareness about the proper use of insulin and its common side effects was (71.06%) which indicated a high level of their awareness and (76.92%) aware about hypoglycemia symptoms and its treatment but they were unaware of the hyperglycemia symptoms and its treatment (20%). In addition, they were moderately aware about the blood glucose monitoring parameters (36.92%) and only (36.69%) of them aware about their recommended diet .There were only (29.74%) aware about the type and duration of exercise. Also, they were a moderately aware about diabetes mellitus disease complications (45.89%). Their awareness about the recommend vaccination for diabetic patients was (31.75%), which reflect a moderate level of awareness. Conclusion: This study showed that Type I diabetic patients in eastern region of Saudi Arabia had a high level of awareness about insulin utilization and its side effects but they were moderately aware about diabetes mellitus complication and monitoring.

Keywords: Type I, Diabetic mellitus, Patients, Awareness, Insulin.