Features of self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: assessment results of qualitative and quantitative parameters

Objective. To assess the features and current status of diabetes self-management and to identify the driving factors responsible for behavior shaping related to diabetes.

Materials and methods. To study the behavioral features of 206 patients with 2 type diabetes mellitus (DM), we used the experimental and psychological methods (Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire – DSMQ – and a random questionnaire). A qualitative and correlational analysis of the obtained data was also conducted.

Results. The median score of diabetes self-management according to the DSMQ scale was 5.48 (4.64; 6.04) (10 was the maximum point). The analysis of other subscales was as follows: “Glucose self-monitoring” – 7.33 (6.00; 8.00) (p-value: < 0.001); “Dietary self-monitoring” – 5.00 (3.33; 5.83) (p-value: < 0.001); “Self-monitoring of physical activity” – 4.44 (2.22; 5.56) (p-value: < 0.001); “Skill in using qualified medical care” – 5.56 (3.33; 6.67) (p-value: < 0.001). The answers to the 16th question “My diabetes self-management is low” were as follows: “Applies to me extensively” – 27.20 %; “Applies to me to a considerable degree” – 4.76 %; “Applies to me to some degree” – 33.80 %; “Does not apply to me” – 34.27 %. Furthermore, a correlational analysis was carried out between the DSMQ subscales and the duration of the disease, age of the patients, degree of cognitive impairment, and the average hemoglobin A1c value.

Conclusion. According to the data of the validated DSMQ diabetes self-management scale, the questionnaire and the average HbA1c value, the external locus of control prevails among the patients with 2 type DM. Low self-management levels were revealed for the three indicators: “Dietary self-monitoring” – 5.00, “Self-monitoring of physical activity” – 4.44, “Skill of using qualified medical care” – 5.56.

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