Self-management behaviours and glycemic control in diabetic patients. A cross sectional study

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the status of diabetes self-management (DSM) among patient with diabetes in Qatar and its relationship with glycemic control and other demographic variables. Methods: A cross sectional study using A structured questionnaire-based study (DSMQ,) and the hospital electronic medical records system to collect sociodemographic and clinical information. among diabetic patients registered in 3 primary health care clinics in Qatar. With a convenience sample of 400 patients with diabetes. Results : Mean age of participants was 54.36±11.58 years and mean duration of diabetes was 10.53±7.47years. Nearly one third of the patients used insulin and the majority used oral hypoglycemic. The results of this study revealed that good adherence to diabetes self-management was reported among 52.8% of adult diabetic patients while the inadequate cases where around 47.3 % which demonstrated lack of diabetes self-management and subsequently at increased risk of complications. There was no gender difference regarding self-care of diabetes. Additionally, adequate DSM was significantly associated with later onset of DM and with college education. HA1C was significantly negative correlated with Glucose management, Physical activity, positive correlated with Diet control, and total score. For DSM subscales, glucose management was the best followed by diet control, health care utility. however, physical activity scored the lowest mean. Conclusion: Results indicated that around 47 % of diabetic patients in Qatar do not perform Diabetes self-management (DSM) consistently. Practice implications: The findings of this study set the stage to empower patient centered care, develop an easy clear teaching strategies for diabetic patients with a lower educational status and activate the role of wellness centers performing regular physical activity sessions for them & the multidisciplinary team that will improve DSM and subsequently improve diabetes management in diabetic patients in Qatar. . Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Self-management behaviours, Diabetes self-management questionnaire (DSMQ).