lifestyle modifications

Abstract

Study was conducted to investigate the influences of patient-related factors in diabetic management among non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetics in Outpatient Department, Hospital Kemaman. Convenience interview has been conducted, followed by further review of outpatient cards. Data collected from 29 subjects was analyzed by using SPSS Version 11. The inclusive criteria were patients diagnosed with diabetes for at least one year and on oral hypoglycemic agent. Patients on insulin treatment were excluded. The efficacy parameter was the fasting blood glucose level. 86.2% of study population were non-smokers. 41.4% consumed alternative medicines concurrently with antidiabetic medications. Majority of the subjects practiced lifestyle modifications, 62.1% in the form of routine exercise and 79.3% dietary modifications. 24.1% and 20.7% received counseling before being put on diabetic medications and on lifestyle modifications respectively. Many diabetics have poor understanding on their medications. Only 27.6% have their fasting blood glucose level ≤ 7mmol/L during the study duration. 72.4% patients claimed to have good compliance to the medications prescribed. Study revealed that patients had better glycaemic control if they had better understanding/knowledge about the medications, had better compliance, practice lifestyle modifications and had been counseled before. Other variables (age, smoking and concurrent use of alternative medicines) failed to demonstrate significant effect on glycaemic control. This study revealed problems such as non-optimal glycaemic control, insufficient patients’ knowledge about the disease and medications, and inadequate compliance in diabetic population. Pharmacists can help the community to manage diabetes better. This information is expected to be useful for pharmacists in improving their roles.