Incidence of Treatment Delays among Patients with Diabetes: A Clinic-based Cross-sectional Descriptive Study in India.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic, with an increasing number of undiagnosed individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is limited data on treatment delays among drug-naïve patients in India. The present study aimed to ascertain the incidence of treatment delay among drug-naïve patients and the sequence of alternate treatments sought since diagnosis.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional, multicentric, observational study was conducted across 10 primary and secondary care settings in Mumbai from October 2023 to April 2024. Adults of either gender, diagnosed with T2DM, who are drug-naïve, were included. Patient's demographic data, comorbidities, current medications, and medical history were recorded in an electronic case report form and analyzed.

Results: Of the 625 patients enrolled, 591 completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 years. The proportion of male patients was 54.1%. Overall, 57% of patients had no treatment delays, while 43% experienced delays of ≥3 months. Patients with treatment delays of ≥3 months used alternative/traditional medicines (56.0%), with Ayurveda being preferred by 56.7% of these patients.

Conclusion: The study indicated considerable treatment delays among drug-naïve patients in India.