Factors Influencing Diabetes Self-Management Among Medically Underserved Patients With Type II Diabetes

Abstract

In this study, researchers compare and contrast issues regarding diabetes self-management between persons in good versus poor glycemic control. The sample comprises low-income racially diverse adults with diabetes from four mid-western community health centers; 44 patients participated in eight focus groups divided by control status (HbA1c of > 9 [uncontrolled] or < 7 [controlled]). Themes common to both groups included the impact of dietary restrictions on social interactions, food cravings, the impact of mental health on self-management, and the importance of formal and informal (friends and family) support. Those in the uncontrolled groups described fear about being able to control their diabetes, confusion about self-management, and difficulty managing their diabetes while caring for family members. Although those in the controlled groups acknowledged difficulties, they discussed resisting cravings, making improvements with small changes, positive feelings about their ability to control their diabetes, and enjoying new foods and exercise. Interventions should include mental health support, incorporate formal and informal patient support structures, and address literacy issues. Health care providers and intervention personnel should be very concrete about how to do self-management tasks and guide patients on how to alter their diabetes regimens for social and other important life events.

Association of support from family and friends with self-leadership for making long-term lifestyle changes in patients with colorectal cancer

“…In contrast, relationships with friends and other non‐family members may prevent adoption of a healthy diet. More specifically, a study of patients with diabetes reported that dietary alterations were perceived to interfere with social interactions, and patients often avoided gathering with friends because it led to consumption of unhealthy foods (Reyes, Tripp‐Reimer, Parker, Muller, & Laroche, ). In agreement, we found that support from family rather than friends was more useful for development of self‐leadership for adopting a healthy diet.…”

Stakeholders’ perceptions of dietary and related self-management challenges and education programme preferences for type 2 diabetes adults

“…37 Barriers to appropriate self-care observed in our study have been reported in previous studies around the world. [38][39][40][41][42][43] Dietary adherence was impeded by the cost of healthful foods and personal factors such as taste and inability to resist temptations and hunger. The social environment and lack of family support were also mentioned to negatively affect dietary adherence, similar to other studies, 9,[40][41][42][43]44 even in the primary care setting 36 Unlike their primary care setting counterparts, patients in this study did not raise physical access to healthful foods as an issue.…”

Barriers to Effective Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management (DMSM) Practice for Glycemic Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A Socio Cultural Context of Indonesian Communities in West Sulawesi

“…The American Diabetes Association has suggested that diabetes mellitus self-management (DMSM) practice is greatly influenced by the level of patients' own participation in care [7]. Some studies also confirmed that DMSM practice could improve patients' perceived obstacles to behavioral adherence [8,9], which is essential to achieving optimal glycemic control and medication adjustment in the context of daily living [10]. However, it is a challenge to perform DMSM for the persistent control of blood glucose levels.…”