Survey of prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated factors in out patients’ clinic Nishtar Hospital Multan.

Aim of this study was to determine the awareness amongst Diabetic patients, its risk factors and complications. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the outpatient, Diabetic clinic Nishtar hospital, Multan in April of 2014. A structured and close ended questionnaire was administered and 300 patients of different age groups were interviewed about their knowledge regarding awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, complications and risk factors. Of the three hundred patients subjected to the survey, 18% individuals were aware of risk factors while 22% were aware of the complications associated with the disease.This awareness is significantly less in female as compared to male. Prevalence of risk factors and complication is greater in female particularly because of physical inactivity. Majority of patients had inadequate knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus and its associated risk factors. Public awareness and knowledge about disease can be raised by planning and implementing outreach programmes and mass media. Moreover, exercise benefits should be demonstrated in public.