Self-Care Management and its Effects on Blood Glucose Levels of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Diabetes Mellitus is a serious non-communicable public health disease that affects people of all age groups, more so, in their productive years in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria being one of the worst hit. It has been observed that the rate at which T2DM patients develop complications due to neglect of self-care practices is alarming. Therefore, this study assessed the outcomes of self-care management on blood glucose control among T2DM outpatients who attend the endocrinology clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Owo. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design and was conducted among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 109 patients were recruited for the study using a purposive sampling method. Data collection was done through the use of a structured questionnaire, a checklist and ERBA MANNHEIM (XL-200) analyser. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0 with simple percentages, frequencies, logistic regression and Chi-square. Eleven (11) out of the 109 participants were involved in the qualitative strand, and data were analysed using a conventional content analysis method. The result showed a mean age of 51.3±25, while the majority were females, 64(58.7%). Furthermore, majority, 69(63%), had hyperglycemia, indicating poor glucose control, as 29(27%) had normal glucose levels. However, a few 11(10%) had hypoglycemia. It was also revealed that 33(30.3%) reported that poor self-care does not apply to them at all. The qualitative strand result revealed that most of the participants claimed to manage diabetes through strict meal plans, avoiding sugary or fried foods, and monitoring blood sugar daily using glucometers. Some participants recognised the importance of engaging in various exercises, such as walking and indoor dancing. Regarding adherence to medications, some of the participants reported taking their prescribed drugs. The challenges faced by the patients ranged from financial burden to emotional unrest. In conclusion, it is important to consider personalised approach to diabetes care, considering both educational and gender-related factors especially because a significant number had hyperglycaemia despite their submissions. Therefore, it is recommended that patients’ education should be enhanced, particularly on healthy diets, blood sugar monitoring, exercise, and foot care. Healthcare providers should advocate for involvement of family members in the care processes of T2DM patients by integrating family-focused interventions, such as educational sessions.