Title : Influence of digital misinformation on the behavior of patients with diabetes mellitus: An observational study
Abstract:
Introduction: Social media has become a leading source of health information, shaping public understanding, decision-making, and daily lifestyle choices. While its broad reach helps spread useful content, it also enables the quick spread of misinformation, especially about chronic diseases like diabetes. This uncontrolled flow of false information can influence patient beliefs, treatment choices, and self-care behaviors, potentially resulting in unsafe practices.
Aim: To assess how diabetes-related misinformation circulating on social media influences the beliefs, treatment decisions, and self-management practices of individuals living with diabetes.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 300 diabetic patients attending SRM Medical College and Research Institute in Chennai from January 1 to June 31, 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that covered demographic details, social media usage, perceptions about diabetes, and trust in various treatment methods. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to assess the effect of misinformation on disease management.
Results: A total of 61% of participants reported spending more than two hours daily on social media, increasing their exposure to both reliable and misleading health content. About 43.7% tended to believe diabetes-related claims based solely on metrics such as likes and shares, while 25.7% endorsed unverified remedies, including black cumin and Senna auriculata. Over half (55%) stated they were highly likely to follow advice from social media videos, and 18.7% expressed willingness to stop prescribed medications in favor of alternative treatments. Misconceptions were common: more than half believed insulin is harmful, and many wrongly thought that the spleen regulates blood sugar. Although 46.7% acknowledged the effectiveness of allopathic treatment, concerns remained about medication safety, side effects, and regulatory oversight.
Conclusion: This study shows that social media strongly influences diabetes-related attitudes and behaviors, often diverting individuals from evidence-based care toward potentially harmful practices. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, improved patient education, stronger regulatory oversight, and enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients to counter misinformation and promote informed decision-making.
