Self-management activities and diabetes control of diabetic patients in Muang district, Nan province

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes and diabetic self-care activities in type 2 diabetic patients in Muang District, Nan Province and to explore the association between self-care activities and glycemic control. Methods Participants were interviewed for general information, self-care activities and self-efficacy. Self-care activities in diabetic patients were assessed using the Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was collected to evaluate glycemic control. The data was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results Of 222 patients, more than half (56.76%) had poor glycemic control. Using multivariate regression analysis, lower SDSCA scores in diet and foot care activities were found to be associated with poor glycemic control (adjusted odds ratio = 2.29, p < 0.001 and adjusted odds ratio = 1.52, respectively; p-value 0.022). Conclusion The majority of the diabetic patients had poor glycemic control. Healthy diet is an important factor in good glycemic control. The association between foot care activity and glycemic control may not be straight forward; however, good foot care may represent adherence to prescribed diabetes treatment and appropriate life-style modification.