Metabolic control, self‐management and psychosocial adjustment in women with type 2 diabetes

AIMS: To examine factors associated with metabolic control, self-management (diet and exercise behaviour), and psychosocial adjustment (diabetes-related distress) in women with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design using baseline data of women with type 2 diabetes enrolled to participate in a pilot study of a nurse coaching intervention (n = 53). ETHICAL ISSUES: Appropriate ethical review and approval was completed. Informed consent from participants was obtained. OUTCOME MEASURES: Physiological measures included body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Self-management measures included the Dietary Subscale of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire and a modified Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire. Psychosocial measures included the Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey (diabetes-related distress), the Diabetes Questionnaire, the Diabetes Self-Management Assessment Tool Support and Confidence Subscale, and the Social Functioning Scale. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were completed. RESULTS: The most consistent predictor of metabolic control, dietary self-management, and diabetes-related distress was support and confidence in living with diabetes. Additionally, women had difficulty meeting optimal goals for exercise, yet reported higher levels of other physical activity. LIMITATIONS: This study was an exploratory analysis with a homogeneous sample of women with type 2 diabetes enrolled in an intervention study and measurements included multiple self-report instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to increase women's perceived self-confidence and support may contribute to positive health outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Assessment of social support and self-confidence in diabetes self-management in women with type 2 diabetes may assist in determining individualized goals and strategies. Enhanced social support and self-confidence in diabetes self-management may subsequently improve metabolic control, self-management and psychosocial adjustment to diabetes.