Barriers to Non–Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) Self-Care Practices among Older Women

Abstract

Noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) constitutes a significant threat to the health and well-being of older women. Appropriate self-care, the cornerstone of glycemic control, is reported to be modest. We aimed to investigate barriers to recommended self-care for NIDDM: A total of 51 African American and White women age 65 and older, completed the Diabetes Self-Care Barriers Assessment Scale for Older Adults, ethnomedical protocol, and other instruments during in-depth interviews. African American women were more likely than their White counterparts to indicate financial, pain, and visual barriers to self-care. Both African American and White women expressed a reluctance to check blood sugar and to exercise; however, most indicated that they regularly followed medication recommendations and visited their physician. This study extends our knowledge of the existence of self-care barriers by providing a qualitative, in-depth perspective detailing how these barriers often prevent optimal self-care behaviors and, conceivably, successful glycemic control.