Introduction. Few surveys conducted in diabetic patients from rural regions show that in these subjects monitoring of diabetes is worse than in patients from urban areas. Objectives. To assess methods of diabetes care provided for type 2 diabetic patients residing in a rural region and methods of the patient self-monitoring of glycemia, blood pressure and foot self-care. Patients and methods. The survey was conducted in a rural district of West-Pomeranian province, in the primary health care center, where 279 type 2 diabetic patients were registered. Out of all patients invited to participate in a questionnaire survey, 168 were enrolled. The mean age of subjects was 67.2 ±9.9 years (range 46-91 years), diabetes duration of 8.2 ±6.6 years, and body mass index of 32.6 ±6.3 kg/m². Data concerning diabetes care and methods of the patient self-control of glycemia, blood pressure and foot self-care were collected. Results. The majority of patients (62%) were treated only by general practitioners, but 80% reported that they visited their doctors for diabetes treatment once a month. For 90% of subjects the term "HbA 1c " was unknown. Only 40% of patients performed self-monitoring of glycemia, 55%-of blood pressure and 34% examined their feet. Conclusions. The vast majority of patients from a rural region in West-Pomeranian province is treated only by general practitioners. Despite quite frequent medical visits related to diabetes, education of patients is still unsatisfactory, which was demonstrated by patients' lack of knowledge concerning the basic parameter of laboratory monitoring, HbA 1c , as well as insufficient self-management of glycemia, blood pressure and infrequent foot exam.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.