AstraZeneca Pharma India which conducted a survey to assess type 2 diabetes knowledge and awareness has found that 87 percent of the Indian working women opted for preventive route to manage diabetes.
The survey was conducted amongst 1,813 working men and women across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Three quarters of the survey participants were under 40 years old. Out of the total number, 40% were female working professionals who participated in the survey.
In the survey, 58% of the women were aware that a family history of diabetes increased their risk of diabetes; additionally, 49% said that obesity, lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet increased their risk. Moreover, 58% of the women were aware of the ‘Indian phenotype’ that puts them at a greater risk of developing diabetes. The Indian Phenotype of diabetes with a propensity towards insulin resistance, central obesity and early development of complications adds to the need for early intervention and comprehensive management.
The women were actively taking steps to reduce their risk or manage their diabetes by exercising regularly or going for morning walks (87%), managing their diet (87%) and avoiding smoking and liquor consumption (25%). About 62% of the women were checking their blood sugar at least once every 3 months; excessive tiredness (45%), increase in weight or body mass index (35%) and difficulty sleeping (30%) were the symptoms that caused women to check their sugar.
“AstraZeneca’s Power over Phenotype survey clearly indicates that working women are aware of their increased risk of diabetes. It is encouraging to see that they are taking active steps to live a healthy lifestyle towards either reducing their risk of diabetes or comprehensively managing their condition,” said Dr. Anilda Dsouza, Head – Medical Affairs & Regulatory, AstraZeneca India.
Overall, the survey indicated that young corporates were well aware of the risk factors, complications and management of diabetes. Women got their information about diabetes from their doctor (66%); online and social media platforms (65%); family members, friends and colleagues (62%); and newspapers and magazines (60%).