Physical activity, diet, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring and foot care in people with type 2 diabetes in Nepal

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the most common Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for an estimated 2 million deaths in 2019. The prevalence of T2DM is increasing in low- and middle-income countries including Nepal. The practice of good self-care behaviours (i.e., physical activity, dietary habits, adherence to medication, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care) plays a vital role in managing disease conditions. This study aims to assess the practice of self-care behaviours and their associated factors among people with T2DM in Nepal.

Methods

Data on self-care behaviours were assessed from 481 adults (aged 30–70 years) with T2DM from two districts (Kavrepalanchowk and Nuwakot) in Nepal. Self-care behaviours (dietary habits, physical activity, medication adherence, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care) were assessed using pre-tested and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with self-care behaviours.

Results

Physical activity (80 %) was the most practiced self-care behaviour followed by a healthy diet (49.9 %), medication adherence (48.2 %), blood glucose monitoring (32.2 %), and foot care (1.7 %). Significant associations for age and area of residence were observed for physical activity. Religion and not using tobacco were associated with a healthy diet. Educational status and blood glucose level were associated with blood glucose monitoring. Alcohol use and comorbid conditions were associated with medication adherence.

Conclusion

Adherence to a healthy diet, medication, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care were still inadequate among the people with T2DM in Nepal. This implies the need for designing and implementing socially and culturally accepted diabetes self-management programs to empower and motivate people with T2DM to self-manage their disease conditions.