Personal and Family and Friends but not the Medical Team are the Sources of Support in Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Aim: To examine sources of support, based on the socio-ecologic model, for a better lifestyle parameter, health perceptions, and self-reported health status in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A telephone survey was conducted among a sample of 552 registered patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 45-70 using The-Brief-Chronic-Illness-Resources-Survey to assess sources of support to health behaviors. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body-mass-index, and smoking status was used. Results: No association was found between support from the medical team and health behaviors. The personal resource subscale was associated with visiting a dietitian [OR=1.3, 95%CI (1.1-1.5)], engaging in physical activity [(OR=1.3, 95%CI (1.1-1.7)], consuming a healthy diet (OR=1.6 95%CI (1.3-2.0), and having a better health perception [OR=1.31, 95%CI (1.06-1.62)]. The family and friends’ resource were associated with dietitian consultation [OR=1.3, 95%CI (1.1-1.6)] and with physical activity [OR = 2.0, 95%CI (1.6-2.6)]. Conclusion: Personal support and support of the family and friends but not medical team support subscales were the most associated with healthy diet and physical activity behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes. The medical team should emphasize the importance of lifestyle to lead changes among people with type 2 diabetes and to assess these sources of support during medical interviews.