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Background: India harbours the largest number of diabetic patients in the world. Poor awareness and practices are some of the important variables influencing the development and progression of diabetes and its complications, which are largely preventable. Preventive strategies need to be formulated based on factors contributing to the development and progression of diabetes. Knowledge, attitudes and practices among diabetics from backward areas of the country like Bijapur are not readily available. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding prevention and control of diabetes mellitus among patients attending the diabetic clinic at B.M. Patil Medical College and Hospital, Karnataka. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study in 730 type 2 diabetic patients aged = 20 years was undertaken. Results: Mean age was 56.64 ± 11.38 years, 67% were males. 15.35% of respondents had poor, 59.9% average and 24.8% had good knowledge. Majority (60-90%) of the respondents had positive attitudes. 36.4% of the respondents were taking extra care in case they were injured and 40.7% were exercising regularly. Conclusions: Though good number of respondents had positive knowledge and attitude regarding diabetes, the same cannot be said about practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]