Diabetes education—Cornerstone in management of diabetes mellitus in Jamaica

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among Caribbean populations. Ideal glycemic control can be attained when patients adhere to self-management behaviors such as consistent monitoring of blood glucose (BG) levels, staying physically active, taking medications, and eating a healthy diet. Aim The present study has the following aims: (1) to assess knowledge of self-care and the initiative of type 2 diabetic patients in medication compliance, making suitable food choices, regular physical exercise and BG monitoring, (2) to evaluate diabetic patient self-management by adhering to instructions of healthcare provider in attaining outcomes such as medication adherence, appropriate food choices, prescribed physical exercise, and self-monitoring of BG levels and determination of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels at clinic visits and (3) to determine whether there are associations between BG control (glucose and HbA1 levels) and sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, education, employment status) as well as knowledge of self-care and the number of years persons had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method The study is a cross-sectional study that utilized a quantitative methodology. The study population consisted of 101 T2DM patients. The researchers used a 12-point interviewer administered questionnaire to solicit information on socio-demographics, knowledge of self-care, and self-management of T2DM, including physical activity and selecting appropriate food choices, and evidence of glycemic control, such as HbA1c and random blood glucose (RBG) levels. Researchers analyzed the data using SPSS version 17.0 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Authors applied an analytical statistical analysis with a 95% confidence level. Results The findings revealed that 90.1% of respondents indicated that they knew how to take their medications. Results also indicated that there was no association of knowledge of self-care with the number of years persons had T2DM. Among the total respondents, 53.5% had poor compliance to prescribed medication, and women were 1.2 times more likely not to comply with medication. In addition, 65.3% of respondents reported poor compliance with physical exercise and 81.2% of respondents indicated poor compliance in self-monitoring BG. Conclusion The findings from this study reveal that the majority of patients with T2DM knew how to take their medications. However, compliance with physical exercise and self-monitoring BG were less than satisfactory. Didactic interventions focusing on the acquisition of knowledge and information will empower patients and improve their self-care and management.