Barriers to Self-Care Practices in Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging public health threat with rapid increase in prevalence all over the world. Mortality and other health care costs associated with diabetes are mainly due to its complications rather than the disease itself. Self-care management practices are essential in preventing such complications. Evidence shows that patients with diabetes face several challenges in adhering to such practices. Aim: The current study is aimed to identify the barriers to self-care practices in patients with diabetes from a global perspective. Methods: Online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL were searched for following keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, self-care practices, self-management practices, adherence and barriers to diabetes self-care practices. By following the PRISMA guidelines this systematic review was done. Research articles that addressed the barriers for self-care in diabetes were included irrespective of the design, country and year of the study. Results: A total of 17 articles were included in this review. Barriers discussed were socio-economic barriers, financial barriers, health-care system related barriers, and barriers specific to medication adherence, blood sugar testing, diet and exercise. Conclusion: Global NCD targets focuses on reduction in mortality and health-care costs associated with diabetes, which cannot be achieved unless we address all these barriers for self-care practices.