Abstract:
A cross sectional descriptive study with the objective of re-searching into the knowledge
and practices on the prevention of complications of DM among diabetic patients attending
the medical clinics and the services that were provided to them. A total of 385 diagnosed
diabetic patients were interviewed using a questionnaire that was pretested. In addition, a
checklist was utilized to collect information on the facilities that were available at the
hospital. The respondents' knowledge on basic facts regarding blood sugar control showed
mixed results. The knowledge on the increased risks for foot ulceration and amputation was
almost universal but knowledge on the other chronic complications was unsatisfactory. The
respondents' awareness of the risk factors for the development of complications was far
from satisfactory. It was seen that the health care delivered was below the level expected
from a Provincial General Hospital. Important aspects of patient education recommended by
the authorities, was not provided. Time has come for the health care providers to reorganize
the health services and improve the quality of care delivered to the diabetics, maximally
using the existing resources. All the health institutions should have a clear policy on the
management of the diabetics, adopting the national guidelines. These policies and guidelines
must be implemented by improving the awareness of its staff time and again in addition to
adequate supervision. In addition, a referral system, utilizing all government health
institutions in the district makes a lot of sense in improving the delivery of health care.
