Awareness of Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Center in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh

Background: Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality, especially in the resource-limited settings. Awareness of these complications is the key to effective prevention and management. The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of diabetic complications among T2DM patients and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with awareness levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2024 among 100 T2DM patients aged ≥18 years, with at least 1 year of diagnosed diabetes, attending a tertiary care hospital in Krishna district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS v29. Results: The majority were aged 51–60 years (34%), male (56%), and from rural areas (78%). Only 53% had good glycemic control. Retinopathy (40%) and peripheral neuropathy (38%) were the most reported complications. Awareness was the highest for retinopathy (63%) and lowest for stroke (25%). Awareness of preventive measures such as diet (74%), exercise (73%), and smoking cessation (64%) varied significantly based on family history and blood sugar control. Conclusions: Despite high medication adherence, awareness of certain complications remains inadequate. Targeted educational strategies are needed, especially in rural and lower-literacy populations, to improve diabetic outcomes.