Knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living with diabetes mellitus type 2 (t2dm) from the Eden district region of South Africa

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition in nature, is categorized into type 1 or type 2. By definition, it is classified as raised blood glucose levels. This burden contributes vastly to the rise in morbidity and mortality on a global scale and contributes quite significantly to its growing health care costs. In The Eden District, a peri-urban setting, patients are not adequately informed, lack knowledge about health, and have poor compliance attitudes and practices to prevent diabetes-related secondary complications. In order to develop and implement healthcare strategies, prevention interventions and education on diabetes, one needs to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of this population.