LifespanD-MYTH 2014, a study conducted to map people’s perceptions along with behaviour-related outcomes of diabetes management, revealed that a whopping 50 per cent of diabetics in the country are at risk of developing heart diseases, 63 per cent are at risk of getting microvascular complications and many  have an enhanced risk of developing eye problems, especially retinopathy. The study brings to light poor diabetes management amongst Indians which it links to ignorance and to the prevalence of myths.

The unique Diabetes Myths & Truths Highlighter (Lifespan D-MYTH 2014) study, conducted by LIFESPAN, a thought leader in the management of diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders, made several disconcerting revelations regarding people’s perceptions about the disease, their practices and its effects in terms of mortality and morbidity. The Lifespan D-MYTH 2014 study was conducted among 5065 Indians in 16 cities on a one-to-one basis, and the data collected was compared with cumulative data from 10,074 patients who visited Lifespan and took Lifespan’s R.I.S.C. test.

Establishing a direct correlation between ignorance, poor diabetes management and high morbidity and mortality, Lifespan introduced the unique US FDA cleared R.I.S.C. Test in India which showed that 80 per cent of diabetics in the country have higher cardiometabolic scores (used to predict heart disease risk), a whopping 50 per cent are ignorant about the fact that diabetes could lead to heart disease.
The study conducted by Lifespan also revealed that while 63 per cent diabetics in India are at risk of developing microvascular complications, which may in turn lead to eye problems, while 36 per cent Indians are completely unaware that diabetes is even linked with eye problems. Further, the study showed that while 60 per cent of diabetics in the country suffer from autonomic nervous system dysfunction, 38 per cent Indians are clueless that diabetes can affect their sexual life.

“The study’s findings are unique in terms of the insights it provides on people’s perceptions about diabetes and its effects on morbidity and mortality. Considering the huge burden of diabetes on the country, the findings should help us lay out a roadmap to ensure its prevention and management”, said Ashok Jain, Group MD and CEO, Lifespan Wellness Pvt. Ltd, who has been living with diabetes for the last 19 years, and whose struggle with it inspired him to set up the clinic chain to help and support people like himself.

As for diet and medication, the study’s findings again fell in the same pattern of ignorance and faulty practices. The study showed that 29 per cent of diabetics use honey/jaggery with 41 per cent found believing these are actually good for people suffering from diabetes. 33 per cent regularly consume juices, which have high glycemic index (not good for diabetes), with nearly 1 out of 2 considering all fruit juices good for diabetes. While it is well established that bitter gourd (karela) and fenugreek (methi) cannot treat diabetes, 40 per cent believe eating them can cure them of diabetes; 27 per cent were found to be taking these alone to deal with diabetes before visiting Lifespan.  42 per cent Indians believe that herbal treatment can cure diabetes, oblivious to the fact that usage of herbs may lead to toxicity to kidneys.

“Considering the role of diet and medication in diabetes management, it is very important to counsel and educate people and rectify their faulty perceptions. The study’s findings may give us a direction for devising and streamlining awareness initiatives for effective prevention and management of diabetes,” said  Jain.