IJCM₁65A: Selfcare practises and its association with glycaemic indices among diabetes mellitus patients in a rural community in Karnataka.

Background: Self-care is a complex and natural decision-making process for maintaining health, especially in chronic patients, such as patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Identifying the contribution of each self-care behavior to glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes becomes an integral part. Objective: To determine the association of self-care in Diabetes Mellitus patients and blood sugar levels in a rural community in Karnataka. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a health institution in a rural area affiliated with a private medical college in Karnataka, India, from March to April 2023. The Diabetes Self-care Questionnaire (DSMQ) was used to examine diabetes patients’ self-care practices. Quantitative data was expressed in mean, standard deviation, median, or interquartile range. Qualitative variables were expressed in percentages and proportions and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The Chi-square test/Fischer’s exact test determined the association between DSMQ and Blood sugar levels Results: Among 142 Diabetes mellitus patients, the mean age was 55.32±12.89 years. 118(82.5%) were married and were Diabetic since 4(2-6) years.106(74.6%) experienced chronic complications, of which 34(23.9%) primarily had foot and leg problems. Medication adherence was seen in 97(68.3%). Sulfonylureas use was seen in 115(82.7%) followed by Biguanides in 80(56.3%). The median blood sugar level was 208.5(161.5-273.5)mg/dl. Using the DSMQ, Optimal glucose management was seen in only 35(24.5%). Suboptimal glucose management was associated with age more than 50 and self-reported obesity. Conclusion: Among the study population, one-fourth had effective glucose management and physical activity. Suboptimal glucose management was associated with age more than 50 and self-reported obesity.