Inadequate diabetes knowledge is associated with poor glycemia control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify the association between glycemia control with level of diabetes knowledge, diabetes education, and lifestyle variables in patients with type 2 diabetes. DesignCross-sectional analytical study. SiteClinics of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Mexico. ParticipantsPatients with type 2 diabetes. Main measurementsGlycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, and lipid profile levels were measured from fasting venous blood samples. Assessment of disease knowledge was performed using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured. Weight and abdominal circumference were measured, as well as body composition using bioimpedance. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables were obtained. ResultsA total of 297 patients were included, sixty-seven percent (67%) were women with a median of six years since the diagnosis of diabetes. Only 7% of patients had adequate diabetes knowledge, and 56% had regular knowledge. Patients with adequate diabetes knowledge had a lower body mass index (p=0.016), lower percentage of fat (p=0.008), and lower fat mass (p=0.018); followed a diet (p=0.004) and had received diabetes education (p=0.002), and to obtain information about their illness (p=0.001). Patients with low levels of diabetes knowledge had a higher risk of HbA1c≥7% (OR: 4.68; 95% CI: 1.48,14.86; p=0.009), as well as those who did not receive diabetes education (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.21–3.90; p=0.009) and those who did not follow a diet (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.01,5.55; p=0.046). ConclusionInadequate knowledge of diabetes, lack of diabetes education, and dietary adherence are associated with poor glycemia control in patients with diabetes.