Public awareness of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

A cross-sectional survey by standard questionnaire was conducted to determine the public's knowledge (n = 480) of diabetes and diabetes symptoms. Four hundred and sixty-two (96%) subjects had heard of diabetes, 350 (73%) could give a rudimentary definition of diabetes, but 231 (48%) were unable to name any symptom and only 20 (4%) knew of thirst and polyuria in combination. The public's knowledge of diabetes symptoms is poor. This may possibly contribute to delayed presentation of Type 2 diabetes.