Predictors of Glycaemic Control among Ghanaian Type 2 Diabetic Patients Using Diabetes Self-management Approach

Aims: Management of a complex metabolic disease like diabetes can be very challenging since it involves a careful combination of medication, exercise, diet and regular monitoring of blood glucose in order to achieve good glucose control. The study aimed at determining predictors of glycaemic control of type 2 diabetic patients using diabetes self-management approach.

Study Design: A Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of study: Diabetes clinic at two selected district hospitals in Ashanti region of Ghana.

Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, medical history and dietary information. A validated Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire was also used. Serum glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was used as the standard for glycaemic control.

Results: Mean glycated haemoglobin level for study participants was 7.2%±0.2. Optimal glycaemic control was significantly associated with diabetes self-management (r= -0.428), diabetes-related distress (r= 0.381) and acceptance and action on diabetes (r= 0.316). In. addition to the above associations, diabetes self-management (β= -0.297, p=0.007) and diabetes-related distress (β= 0.219, p=0.028) could significantly predict glycated haemoglobin but not acceptance and action on diabetes (β= 0.046, p=0.665).

Conclusions: All the three study variables correlated with glycated haemoglobin of study participants but only diabetes self-management and diabetes-related distress had predictive value. Further, an epidemiological study is needed to ascertain the strength of the effects. Various health stakeholders should encourage diabetic patients to understand the importance of diabetes self-management which may help in better glycaemic control, disease management and better quality of life.