Interrelation of the Population Awareness of the Presence of an Increased Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most important public health problems in the world. The aim of the study is to evaluate the initial level of knowledge of the population about risk factors, the first signs and complications of the disease, and to define the weaknesses of hygienic education of the population. Also we have conducted comparative analysis of the psychosomatic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and without diabetes. During the study, 300 people were interviewed about awareness of diabetes issues and the 10-year risk of developing T2DM (FINDRISC score) was estimated. Interrelation of the population awareness of an increased risk of developing T2DM was studied. Eating behavior was studied using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the psychological and emotional status. Stress-resistance was studied using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Personality features were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. 33% of respondents of population were not informed about the risk factors for diabetes, 38% -about the first signs of the disease; 29% -of possible complications. The largest proportion of factors that significantly influenced the 10-year risk of developing T2DM were modifiable behavioral factors, namely, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), daily availability of 30-minute activity and consumption of vegetables. About half of the respondents do not follow the recommendations on rational diet, physical activity, smoking cessation and alcohol consumption. Low level of awareness of these issues leads to underestimation of existing risk factors, unwillingness to change the habitual lifestyle and, as a consequence, increases the risk of diabetes. Thus, it is necessary to improve the awareness of both the population and specialists in diabetes issues, increase responsibility of medical staff to the patient, increase the interest of the population to a more conscious and responsible attitude to their own health.