Diabetes In Turkey Research Articles

Epidemiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: A 50-year, single-center experience.

Global variations in epidemiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) exist. This study is designed to examine demographic and clinical features of T1DM over the past 3 decades as well as evolving trends in epidemiology over last 50 years. Clinical characteristics of 925 patients with T1DM over last 30 years (1990-2019) were evaluated and compared to previously published data of 477 patients diagnosed between 1969 and 1990 from one of the major referral centers for diabetes in Turkey. Mean age at diagnosis decreased from 9.5 ± 4.0 to 7.1 ± 3.6 years within the past 50 years (p < .001). Age at diagnosis peaked at 12-14 years between 1969 and 1990, then fell to 10-11.9 years between 1990 and 1999, and to 4-5.9 years between 2000-2009 and 2010-2019 (p = .005). Although the percentage of patients diagnosed <6 years of age is gradually increasing, the percentage between the ages of 6 and 11.9 years is decreasing, and the percentage diagnosed ≥12 years remained stable. A total of 47.5% of patients had ketoacidosis, 38.2% had ketosis, and 14.3% had only hyperglycemia. 23% of patients had severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), whereas 42% had moderate. Over last 3 decades, there has been no change in frequency of ketoacidosis at presentation, but there has been significant decline in severity (p = .865, and p < .001, respectively). Although the frequency of patients with mild DKA increased over time, frequency of patients with moderate DKA decreased; however, no significant difference was observed among patients with severe ketoacidosis. DKA was more frequent and severe in patients <6 years of age (p = .005, and p < .001, respectively). Age at diagnosis shifted to younger ages in T1DM in the past 50 years. Half of patients had ketoacidosis at diagnosis and frequency of presentation with DKA did not decrease, but severity decreased slightly. Increase in prevalence of T1DM in the younger age group and the fact that half of patients present with DKA indicate that awareness should be increased in terms of early diagnosis and treatment.

Metaphoric perceptions of individuals with diabetes in Turkey: A content analysis.

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus adversely impacts the quality of life due to treatment, changes in daily life, functional disability, and emerging complications. Using metaphors to convey perceptions of diseases and life experiences is crucial for understanding healthcare behaviors. This study aimed to explore the metaphorical perceptions of "diabetes" and "being a person with diabetes" within a sample group of individuals with diabetes in Turkey. A qualitative design was employed to investigate the metaphoric perceptions of 72 people with diabetes. Data were collected face-to-face between 15 May and June 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using content analysis. From the statements of the individuals with diabetes in the sample, seven metaphoric themes related to diabetes - "pain and distress, helplessness and hopelessness, instability, attention and sensitivity, captivity, positive outlook and acceptance, deprivation" - and six metaphoric themes concerning being a person with diabetes - "suffocation and distress, helplessness, powerlessness and disappointment, captivity, attention and sensitivity, guilt, and being worn out" - were identified. Commonly recurring sub-themes with negative connotations included "darkness, well, convict, prison, captivity, microbe, infectious disease, a hot flush, guilt, clouding life, and being ruined." Some positively framed statements included "friend, traffic sign, and driving a car." The majority of patients in the study used negative metaphors, with fewer expressing positive sentiments regarding the necessity of accepting and paying attention to the disease. Defining individuals' metaphorical perceptions of their disease may enable the provision of better quality and holistic care. Nurses, in particular, play a crucial role in facilitating behavioral changes for patients with diabetes to achieve self-management.

A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF DISEASE MANAGEMENT POLICIES IN DIABETES IN TURKEY

This study, it was aimed to determine the need for disease management in diabetes in Turkey and to reveal the recommendations for diabetes disease management policies as part of the identified needs. In this study, the research design was planned as a case study and, the snowball sampling method was used as part of the scope of qualitative research. A total of 21 individuals, 6 doctors, 3 diabetic nurses, 6 academics, and 6 adult diabetics were actualized using semi-structured forms with a thorough interview technique. The data collected were evaluated with descriptive analysis and content analysis methods. In the analysis of the data, the “Nvivo 12. Program” was used. The findings were discussed based on the relevant literature, and conclusions and recommendations were reached in line with the research purposes. The participants stated that the practices related to disease management in diabetes have improved compared to the past, but that the development process should continue. The participants stated that there is a need for a multidisciplinary systematic process structuring that will prioritize the patient and their needs and that will help patients to live their lives healthy and free from complications. In terms of the burden of disease, diabetes is a significant issue that affects both Turkey and the rest of the world. We propose that the health policy, health service delivery, health system structure, and multidisciplinary work related to the disease management approach in diabetes in Turkey should be determined and steps should be taken to improve it.

The Experience of our Center in Patients Undergoing Insulin Degludec/ Insulin Aspart Co-formulation Therapy.

A co-formulation containing insulin degludec and insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is available for the treatment of diabetes in Turkey. We aimed to evaluate the clinical results of switching to IDegAsp treatment for Type 2 diabetes. A total of 217 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with IDegAsp and having follow-up data were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 switched from basal insulin to IDegAsp, group 2 switched from twice-daily premixed insulin regimen to IDegAsp, and group 3 switched from intensive and thrice-daily premixed insulin regimen to IDegAsp. Groups were evaluated in terms of changes in insulin dose, the number of injections, and changes in HbA1c. The mean follow-up period was 7.5 ± 4.4 months. The mean age was 62.8 ± 12.9 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 15.3 ± 8 years. There was a significant decrease in HbA1c and glucose (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c was significantly reduced in group 1 (p < 0.0001) while insulin dose and the number of injections increased (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c, insulin dose, and the number of injections in group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, respectively, and p < 0.0001, p = 0.043, p < 0.0001, respectively) were significantly reduced. This study includes real-life experiences involving a remarkable number of patients in the literature. IDegAsp treatment provided effective blood glucose regulation and caused a significant decrease in the insulin dose and the number of injections, resulting in increased quality of life among those who had to receive twice or more insulin injections.

Spiritual Well-being, Diabetes Burden, Self-management, and Glycemic Control Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Turkey: A Descriptive and Correlational Study.

Spiritual well-being is considered a significant factor in helping to manage chronic diseases and cope with the disease process. This descriptive-correlational study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being, diabetes burden, self-management, and among 300 outpatients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey. A significant relationship was found between the diabetes burden and self-management levels and the spiritual well-being of patients with diabetes (p < 0.005). Multiple linear regression analyses found that a high diabetes burden (ß = -0.106) decreased well-being, and high self-management increased well-being (ß = 0.415). Additionally, the results revealed that marital status, household members, performing daily life activities alone, hospitalization due to complications, diabetes burden, self-management, glycemic control, and blood lipid parameters explained 29% of the total variance in the spiritual well-being level. Accordingly, the present study recommended that health professionals should consider spiritual well-being to support disease management with a holistic approach to diabetes patients.

Validity and reliability study of Diabetes Fatalism Scale inTurkish patients with type 2 diabetes

Background. Turkey is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe, with about one in every seven adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. By 2035, Turkey will have the highest number of people with type 2 diabetes in Europe, at almost 12 million. Mortality rates have increased with the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, especially in the younger population, such that half of the deaths come from those under sixty. The beliefs and mental state of patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes can affect disease outcomes and the patients’ self-management. Self-care and diabetes medications are important components in improving the disease outcome, though many studies have shown that these activities can be negatively related to fatalism about the disease state. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Diabetes Fatalism Scale (DFS), which was developed by Dr. Leonard Egede. Materials and methods. This was a methodological study. The scales were administered to a total of 139 patients with type 2 diabetes. The content and construct validity of the scale were assessed. The construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, and the reliability was assessed in terms of internal consistency. Results. In terms of the population tested, 54.7% of the participants were men, 73.4% were married, 54% had one additional disease other than diabetes, 18% were high school graduates, the mean age was 50.20±16.82 years, the average duration of diabetes was 19.31±14.25 years, and mean glycated hemoglobin level was 7.06±0.65%. It was found that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling-size adequacy was 0.770, indicating an adequate size, and the chi-square value was 1078.402. When the fifth item was excluded from the study and the analysis was repeated, the KMO coefficient was 0.802 and the chi-square value was 1020.244, p=0.000. The Cronbach’s alpha value reached 0.806, indicating a good internal consistency. The Cronbach’s alpha values of the other subscales also seemed to be at a very good level. Conclusions. Our study showed that the DFS is a valid and reliable scale for the Turkish society. DFS-T is a suitable scale for health professionals to use to assess diabetes fatalism in adults with diabetes in Turkey.

Impact of trends and gender disparity in obesity on future type 2 diabetes in Turkey: a mathematical modelling analysis

BackgroundUsing a previously developed and validated mathematical model, we predicted future prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and major modifiable risk factors (obesity, physical inactivity and smoking) stratified by...

An investigation of the diabetes health literacy level and compliance to the treatment in patients with diabetes in Turkey

Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the diabetes health literacy level and compliance to the treatment in individuals with diabetes. &#x0D; Material and Method: This descriptive study was conducted in the Internal Diseases-1 and Endocrinology clinics of a hospital between January 2019 and April 2020. The target population was the patients who were hospitalized in these clinics due to Type-II diabetes between the dates when data were collected. Sampling was performed using the sampling method with a known population, and the sample was composed of 237 patients. Data were collected through the Socio-demographic Form, the Diabetes Health Literacy Scale, and the Scale for Compliance to the Treatment in Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Data analysis included Kolmogorov Smirnov test, numbers, percentages, Cronbach’s Alpha, t-test, Kruskal Wallis, analysis of variance, chi-square test, and correlation test.&#x0D; Result: This study found the health literacy scale total mean score as above-average (38.41±8.59), and the compliance to the treatment mean score as moderate (83.14±12.35). A negative and significant relationship was found between compliance to the treatment and diabetes health literacy scale total score and the communicative health literacy and critical health literacy mean scores (p

The Effect of COVID -19 Crisis on Hopelessness, Loneliness and Spiritual Well-Being of Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Turkey

This study aims to examine the relationship between the levels of hopelessness, loneliness, and spiritual well-being of patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes during the process of COVID-19 outbreak. The study was carried out with diabetic patients living in three different cities that are in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey between the dates of 15 of November and 30 of November 2020. The sample of the study consisted of 500 (Type 1, n = 218, Type 2, n = 282) diabetes patients. Data were collected using a demographic information form, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT–Sp). While the mean scores of hopelessness and loneliness of type 1 patients were below the moderate level, the mean scores of their spiritual well-being were found to be above the moderate level. Moreover, while the mean scores of hopelessness and loneliness in type 2 patients were below the moderate level, the mean scores of their spiritual well-being were found above the moderate level. A significant relationship was found between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients' levels of hopelessness, loneliness, and spiritual well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. It was found that as the spiritual well-being levels of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients increased, the levels of their loneliness and hopelessness decreased. It is recommended that mass communication that includes spiritual care practices can be used effectively to reduce diabetes patients’ levels of loneliness and hopelessness during the pandemic. In addition, while providing care to diabetes patients, it can be suggested that health professionals offer a holistic approach with initiatives that will increase diabetes patients’ spiritual well-being.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Diabetes Distress Scale in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Turkey

The objective of the research was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Diabetes Distress Scale in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. Our study was conducted between September 2016 and January 2017 and included 170 patients with type 2 diabetes. The Personal Information Form and Diabetes Distress Scale were used as a data collection tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 and SAS package program.&#x0D; Results. According to the results of the research, Cronbach’s alpha reliability for the total scale was 0.91. The model fit indices for the revised confirmatory factor analysis model failed to meet the criteria for acceptability: the GFI was 0.8185, the CFI was 0.9316, the Bentler - Bonett (1980) NFI was 0.9005, and the RMSEA was 0.1067. In our study, exploratory factor analysis provided support for the three-factor model: [I] emotional and regimen-related distress, [II] health professional-related distress, [III] diabetes-related interpersonal distress.&#x0D; Conclusions. When the translation and cultural adaptation process have been considered, the Diabetes Distress Scale is a valid and reliable tool for the Turkish community. It is recommended to be used in the studies and clinical trials.

Evaluation of diabetes self-management education in geriatrics with type 2 diabetes in Turkey.

This study was conducted to evaluate the diabetes education efficiency of individuals over 65 years old in Turkey, which has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe. We retrospectively evaluated 320 patients who attended Turkey diabetes self-management group education program (TDSMEP) between 2016 and 2020 in a secondary hospital. Participants who have been followed up for a maximum of 9 months are grouped as over 65 years old and under. Of the 320 patients, 114 formed the geriatric group and 206 the non-geriatric group. After the training, the number of patients who had HbA1c≤7% increased significantly in both the geriatric (28.1-45.6%) and non-geriatric (19.9-42.2%) (P=0.001) groups. After the training, similar HbA1c goals were achieved in the geriatric and non-geriatric groups. The most significant HbA1c decrease was observed at the 3rd month of follow-up and remained stable until the 9th month. In logistic regression analysis, the factors affecting HbA1c failure (HbA1c>7%) after training in the geriatric group were long diabetes duration (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, P=0.01), high basal HbA1c levels (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.03-1.67, P=0.03), and low education level (OR=3.88, 95% CI: 1.54-9.76, P=0.001). This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of TDSMEP for geriatric individuals whose HbA1c≤7% increased from 28% to 45.6% during follow-up after the training. TDSMEP is recommended for all adult age groups, regardless of age range.

Self-efficacy and its association with locus of control in diabetes in Turkey

Objective: This descriptive-relational study was conducted to determine self-efficacy levels of individuals with type 2 diabetes, relationship between these levels both some sociodemographic characteristics and health locus of control. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: The sample of this study was occurred 325 patients with diabetes who applied to the health care center constituted. Data were collected via ‘Questionnaire Form’, ‘Self-efficacy in Diabetes Scale’ and ‘Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale’. &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The average age of participants was 53.3±8 years, 51.4% of participants were women. It was found that the diagnosis time 8.7±7.2 years, the level of HbA1c was 8.2±1.1. In the sub dimensions of Diabetes Self-efficacy Scale, the patients got points as follows; sub dimension of Diet+Foot Control 39,4±12,5, sub dimension of Medical Treatment 22,6±3,1, sub dimension of Physical Exercise 9,0±4,5. It was determined that in Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the patients got the highest points from the sub dimension of Powerful Others Locus of Control. A positive and weak level relation was determined between self-efficacy both total and subdimensions grades dimensions of health locus of control scale (p

Turkish validity and reliability study of type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale

Background/aim Stigma has a high incidence and adversely affects people with diabetes. In this context, patients face difficulties such as fear of losing their jobs, travel restrictions, isolation from social life, problems related to mental health, and feeling of wellness. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the stigma assessment scale in individuals with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methods The study sample consisted of 153 diabetic individuals. The validity of language, content, and construct were examined to evaluate the validity of the type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency reliability. Results The content validity index of 19 items which were detected as significant was found to be 0.86. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale is 0.92. The results of the item analysis show that all factor loads are significant (t-value > ±1.96). The coefficient of correlation between type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale and test–retest technique was 0.82. Conclusion It was concluded that the stigma assessment scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nurses may use this tool to better understand and help relieve the prevalence and severity stigma of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Turkey.

The Effect of Religious Coping on Disease Acceptance and Management Among Patients with Diabetes in Turkey.

Religious coping is considered an important factor for assisting with the management of chronic diseases. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between religious coping and disease acceptance and management among patients with diabetes. A total of 504 individuals with type 2 diabetes were included in this descriptive-correlational study. In this study, individuals who did not use their medications regularly, those who did not pay attention to their diet and those who did not exercise regularly had higher levels of positive religious coping. No significant relationship was found between the level of acceptance of illness and religious coping styles among participants with diabetes. However, it was found out that there was a positive relationship between HbA1C levels and the mean score of positive religious coping and positive religious coping accounted for 7% of the total variance in the glycemic control parameter.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey: A nationwide study (TurCoviDia).

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been reported to be associated with a more severe course in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, severe adverse outcomes are not recorded in all patients. In this study, we assessed disease outcomes in patients with and without T2DM hospitalized for COVID‐19.MethodsA nationwide retrospective cohort of patients with T2DM hospitalized with confirmed COVID‐19 infection from 11 March to 30 May 2020 in the Turkish Ministry of Health database was investigated. Multivariate modeling was used to assess the independent predictors of demographic and clinical characteristics with mortality, length of hospital stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mechanical ventilation.ResultsA total of 18 426 inpatients (median age [interquartile range, IQR]: 61 [17] years; males: 43.3%) were investigated. Patients with T2DM (n = 9213) were compared with a group without diabetes (n = 9213) that were matched using the propensity scores for age and gender. Compared with the group without T2DM, 30‐day mortality following hospitalization was higher in patients with T2DM (13.6% vs 8.7%; hazard ratio 1.75; 95% CI, 1.58‐1.93; P < .001). The independent associates of mortality were older age, male gender, obesity, insulin treatment, low lymphocyte count, and pulmonary involvement on admission. Older age, low lymphocyte values, and pulmonary involvement at baseline were independently associated with longer hospital stay and/or ICU admission.ConclusionsThe current study from the Turkish national health care database showed that patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID‐19 are at increased risk of mortality, longer hospital stay, and ICU admission.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of brief diabetic foot ulceration risk checklist.

OBJECTIVE:This study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of brief diabetic foot ulceration risk checklist (BDURC).METHODS:This methodological study was conducted at the diabetes clinic of a state hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The data were collected with the BDURC developed by Zhou et al. in 2018. A study was conducted with 430 patients with Type 2 diabetes. The scale was retested after 4 weeks by 60 participants. Language equivalence of the scale was provided. Experts’ opinions were taken about the content validity of the scale. Reliability of the scale was determined with the test-retest reliability, item-total correlation, and internal consistency analysis.RESULTS:Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with good model suitability. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the scale and its subscales was 0.79. Test-retest scores showed no statistically significant difference between the items (p>0.05). The reliability index was higher than 0.80.CONCLUSION:The BDURC-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used in clinics to identify the risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Turkey.

Effects of the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model on Metabolic Control of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Turkey: Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of information–motivation–behavioral skills model interventions given by nurses during home visits on the knowledge levels, personal and social motivation levels, behavioral skills, and HbA1C levels of adolescents with poor glycemic control. Design and methodsThe present study was designed as randomized controlled trial. 50 adolescents with type 1 diabetes were equally divided into study and control groups. Socio-Demographic Form, Diabetes Information Evaluation Form, The Child Attitude Toward Illness Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale were utilized in data collection. The scales were administered at the beginning of the study and six months later. HbA1c levels of adolescents were evaluated in the third and sixth months. Multiple home visits and phone calls were made to each participant in the intervention group. Interventions to improve the information–motivation–behavioral skills model-based knowledge, personal and social motivation, and behavioral skills were applied during the home visits. ResultsAs a result of information–motivation–behavioral skills model-based interventions, knowledge levels (p<0.001), personal motivation levels (p = 0.001), social motivation levels (p = 0.004), and behavioral skills (p<0.001) of the study group improved. Additionally, HbA1c levels decreased significantly in the third (p<0.001) and sixth months (p<0.001). ConclusionInformation-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model-based intervention effectively improved glycemic control among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Practice implicationsNurses should develop strategies to increase personal motivation, social motivation, and behavioral skills to training programs planned for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Health behaviors and health services accessibility factors associated with diabetes: a propensity score matching analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Despite the increasing burden of diabetes in Turkey, there is a lack of information regarding behaviors and accessibility factors associated with diabetes. This study aims to explore diabetes prevalence and to identify the associated health behaviors and accessibility factors. Research design and methods: Data was gathered from TurkStat-Health Survey for the year 2014. 1996 individuals who had reported diabetes were matched to similar non-diabetes participants in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and comorbidities by using 1:1 nearest matching based on estimated propensity scores. Results: The weighted point prevalence of diabetes among adults was 8.98%. Compared with smokers, non-smokers were less likely to develop diabetes (OR:0.96; 95% CI:0.95–0.97). Individuals engaging in regular physical activity were less likely to have experienced diabetes than individuals not engaging in any physical activity (OR:0.51; 95% CI:0.41–0.52). Conclusions: Improving the health behaviors of individuals and promoting a culture of exercise, healthy food consumption and better planning of preventive services are necessary strategies to fight against diabetes in Turkey. Collaboration between health professionals will result in effective clinical decision making and the development of diabetes self-management programs.

The predictors of perceived stress in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey: styles of coping with stress and metabolic variables

The study was conducted to examine the relationship between metabolic control variables and the coping strategies of type 2 DM patients with stress perception. The study design was a descriptive and cross-sectional survey. The study sample consisted of 153 patients who reported to the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Data were collected using the descriptive characteristic form, perceived stress scale, and the coping styles inventory. Patients’ mean BMI was 28.82 ± 7.14, and the mean HbA1c level was 10.31 ± 2.75. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome identified in patients with type 2 DM was 68%. A negative correlation was determined between perceived stress and age and the problem-focused coping method, whereas a positive correlation was found between BMI, number of accompanying chronic diseases, insulin use period, waist circumference, and emotion-focused coping method and perceived stress. The variable that most affects the stress perception levels of patients with diabetes mellitus is problem-focused coping. Following these results, teaching patients how to use efficient techniques for stress coping and providing support for psychosocial care is necessary.

Health literacy and diabetes self-care in individuals with type 2 diabetes in Turkey

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between health literacy and diabetes self-care in individuals with type 2 diabetes. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 individuals with Type 2 diabetes at a diabetes outpatient clinic of a foundation university hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The data were collected using a sociodemographic and illness characteristics questionnaire, the Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q-TR), and the Diabetes Self-Care Scale (DSCS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Student’s t-test, Pearson correlation test, and multiple regression analysis. ResultsIt was found that 81.5% of individuals with type 2 diabetes were at an inadequate or limited and problematic level of health literacy. The DSCS mean scores of patients with an inadequate health literacy level were significantly lower than that of patients at other levels of health literacy. It was determined that education level, exercise status, and HLS-EU-Q-TR scores were significantly related to diabetes self-care (R² = 0.245, p < 0.001). ConclusionThe study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes had higher diabetes self-care if they had a high education level, regularly exercised, or had high HLS-EU-Q-TR mean scores.