Impact of Diabetes-related Self-management on Glycemic Control in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Self-care activities are behaviors adopted in order to enhance one's health. Selfcare behaviors and activities are studied in their role to enhance glycemic control, reduce diabetes-related complications, and contribute to enhancing overall quality of life in people with diabetes. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the impact of diabetes selfcare activities and behaviors on glycemic control in people with diabetes. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of a secondary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan from 1st September 2019 till 30th November 2019. Patients with known type II diabetes of age >= 45 years visiting the hospital for routine follow-up visit were included. Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ) in Urdu version was used to assess their status of self-management. For data entry and statistical analysis SPSS for Windows version 21.0 was used. Results: There were 174 (54.9%) males and 152 (47.9%) were of age 45-60 years. Glycemic control was good (HbA1c <7%) in 125 (39.4%) and poor (HbA1c >= 7%) in 192 (60.6%) patients. Patients with good glycemic control scored significantly better on DSMQ overall (5.53 +/- 0.35 vs. 4.32 +/- 0.61; p<0.0001), and on three sub-scales - dietary control (4.24 +/- 1.04 vs. 3.63 +/- 0.98; p<0.0001), physical activity (4.16 +/- 0.56 vs. 3.47 +/- 1.17; p<0.0001), and healthcare use (4.22 +/- 0.78 vs. 3.98 +/- 0.65; p=0.003). Conclusions: The self-care activities that impact glycemic control in patients with diabetes include dietary control, physical activity, and healthcare use.