BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to examine the information behavior of diabetic patients, a relatively unexplored field of diabetes care, including their needs for information, resources used, obstacles encountered and degree of satisfaction for diabetes-related information acquisition.Methods203 patients (males: 110, type 2:172) followed-up in the outpatient Diabetes Clinics of a University-affiliated hospital in Greece were assessed, using a validated questionnaire.ResultsPatients identified diet (61.4%) and diabetic complications (41.9%) as “the most important” for their information needs and the treating physician (94.6%) for information resources. Internet importance and frequency of use ranked low. Main obstacles to information seeking were “lack of time” and “cost”. Most patients (71.4%) stated they were “quite” or “very satisfied” with the current possibilities of information seeking.ConclusionsDiabetic patients’ stated information needs and information sources, as well as main obstacles to obtaining information could potentially have important implications in designing a future information campaign.

Objective: A literature review of major publications was conducted to describe the epidemiology and trends over time of diabetes mellitus in Greece.Results: Although studies differ regarding methodology (self-reporting or data recording versus blood glucose measurements and OGTT), there is an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the Greek population. In the Attica region, prevalence increased from 2,4% in 1974 to 9,5% (self-reporting studies) or 11,6% (blood glucose measurements and OGTT) in 2006. Regarding rural population, where prevalence was almost negligible (1,5%) during 1988-1993, there was a dramatic increase (approximately 11,7% during 2003-2005), to become equal to urban population. This change is similar to the trends worldwide. The cause of this increase is lifestyle change, with a consequent decrease in the physical activity, junk food, and obesity. Prevalence is higher in lower socioeconomic status. Intervention is important to decrease diabetes incidence by modifying modern lifestyle.

Aggressive medical therapy along with TURP resulted curative in our case. A multi-disciplinary approach was mandatory.

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