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Dr Sikandar Arslan, Dr Abeer Mushtaq,Dr Salman Zaffar
Objective: Diabetes (DM) is an important public health problem in Pakistan and a risk factor for many co-morbidities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess awareness and understanding of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Pakistan. Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Medicine Unit II of Nishter Hospital, Multan for one-year duration from March 2019 to March 2020. Data of T2DM awareness was obtained from 1530 selectees. Results: About 59% of 1,530 participants were male and 41% female. 60.8% of the 1,530 participants knew nothing about DM, and approximately 48% were unsure whether they knew anything about the symptoms of DM. In this study group, the lack of information on the relationship between obesity and diabetes was statistically significant, p <0.001. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and awareness needed for a comprehensive awareness program to obtain reference information on DM in the Pakistani population is low. Women need more to be targeted in DM prevention and control programs. Keywords: diabetes, obesity, lifestyle, awareness.