Knowledge and self-care practices of diabetics in a resettlement colony of Chandigarh.

Self-care is an important component of diabetes control programme. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a resettlement colony of Chandigarh and 60 diabetics aged 20 years and above were identified. Their knowledge and practices regarding diet, genital hygiene, care of foot, wound, complications of diabetes and medication was assessed using a semistructured interview schedule. Most of them (60%) opined that diabetic should consume whatever is cooked in the family. Forty eight diabetics knew that sweets and fatty foods should be avoided but only 18.3% were avoiding them. Genital hygiene was maintained by 51.7% and foot care was done by 63.3% through regular washing. Monitoring of blood sugar was poor (46.7%), only 3 knew and were continuing self testing of urine. Oral anti-diabetic drug compliance rate was 62.9%. None of the patients on insulin injections knew about self therapy. Knowledge regarding diabetic complications was partial. There is a need to reorient and motivate health personnels in educating diabetics about self-care.