Lack of knowledge about diabetes in Pune—the city of knowledge!

India is experiencing an escalating epidemic of diabetes for which the most cost-effective solution is prevention. Awareness is the first step towards prevention. We undertook a questionnaire-based study to evaluate gaps in awareness of different implications of diabetes among various sections of the urban population of Pune. Individuals aged ≥13 years (378 diabetic, 1122 non-diabetic) from different socio-economic backgrounds were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Awareness regarding causes, symptoms, complications, treatment and preventive measures, curability of diabetes and long-term implications of diabetes in pregnancy was evaluated. An awareness score was calculated based on the percent of total questions correctly answered. Of those surveyed, 78 % scored less than 50 %, 44 % did not know the meaning of diabetes, 30 % could not name any of the risk factors, symptoms, complications and preventive measures for diabetes, and 70 % were unaware of the long-term risks of diabetes in pregnancy. As a group, diabetic participants scored marginally better than non-diabetic participants (mean score 39 vs. 31 %; P < 0.001). Participants at high risk of diabetes (sedentary workers, non-diabetic participants with first-degree family history of diabetes and non-diabetic hypertensive participants) had poor knowledge about the condition (mean scores <40 %). Lower age, lower education and male gender were independently associated with poor awareness; education was the strongest predictor. Awareness regarding different implications of diabetes is poor in the population of Pune. There is a need for widespread and extensive public education campaigns to raise awareness and contribute to the national diabetes prevention initiatives.