Awareness of Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Role of Physiotherapy Among Urban Diabetic Population in Jalgaon City: An Observational Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with significant microvascular and macrovascular complications that adversely affect quality of life. Adequate awareness of diabetic complications and the role of physiotherapy is essential for effective disease management and prevention of disability, especially among the urban diabetic population. Aim: To evaluate the awareness of complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the role of physiotherapy among urban diabetic populations in Jalgaon city. Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 60 urban diabetic patients aged above 40 years diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants were selected using convenient sampling. Data were collected using a validated, self-structured questionnaire assessing awareness of diabetic complications and the role of physiotherapy. The collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and statistically analysed using SPSS software. Results were expressed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Results: The mean awareness score for diabetic complications was 6.76 ± 2.94, indicating an overall awareness level of 67.6%. Awareness regarding the role of physiotherapy showed a mean score of 6.1 ± 3.44, corresponding to 67.78%. High awareness was observed for complications such as foot ulcers, reduced sensation in feet, and eye-related complications, whereas lower awareness was noted for severe outcomes like stroke and coma. A moderate level of awareness was also observed regarding physiotherapy’s role in improving joint range of motion, pain-free movements, quality of life, and activities of daily living. Conclusion: The study concludes that urban diabetic patients in Jalgaon city demonstrate nearly equal and moderate levels of awareness regarding both diabetic complications and the role of physiotherapy. However, existing knowledge gaps highlight the need for structured education programs and early physiotherapy interventions to improve self-management and reduce the risk of long-term complications.