Impact of Social Media’s Medical Misinformation about Diabetes Mellitus on Patient’s Behaviour: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Social media serves as a key source of health information, shaping public perceptions and behaviours. However, the spread of misinformation, particularly regarding diabetes management, has influenced treatment decisions and self-care practices. The present study explores the impact of social media-driven misinformation on individuals with diabetes. Aim: To assess how social media influences diabetes-related beliefs, the prevalence of misinformation, and its effect on adherence to evidence-based treatment. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants with diabetes at SRM Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2024 to June 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, social media usage, diabetes-related beliefs, and trust in treatment options. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of misinformation on disease management. A p-value