Investigation of the management strategies in the compliance to treatment of people with type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and the implementation of management strategies is important for patients, in order to achieve a stable blood glucose level.

Aim: To investigate the level of compliance of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to management strategies. We also investigated determinants of compliance.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and the study population included 150 diabetic patients who visited a General Hospital of prefecture Attiki. Mean age of patients with diabetes was 70,8 years. 68% of study population were men and 32% were women. Average duration of diabetes was 12,7 years. Data collection was performed during March to April 2021. We used the “Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire” for compliance measurement. Data analysis was performed with SPSS v.21.

Results: Diet level, blood sugar control and medication adherence were mediocre. Exercise level and foot care level were low. Women found to have better food care(p<0,001), better nutrition (p<0,001) and better medication adherence(p=0,031) compared to men. Higher level of education was associated to better blood glucose control(p=0,015)  and better nutrition(p=0,043). The existence of other diseases was related to diet and physical activity(p<0,05). Finally, the patients who lived with other person had better food care compared to patients who live alone (p=0,001).

Conclusion: The implementation of management strategies for effective management of diabetes is important. Diabetes education and mental empowerment are necessary for patients in complying with diabetes management strategies in order to have better quality of life.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes, compliance, management strategies, determinants, Cross-sectional study