Factors related to perceived diabetes control are not related to actual glucose control for minority patients with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine variables associated with perceived diabetes control compared with an objective measure of glucose control (A1C).


METHODS
Beliefs about diabetes were assessed among 334 individuals with diabetes living in a primarily low-income, minority, urban neighborhood. Regression analyses tested associations between disease beliefs and both participants' perceptions of control and actual control (A1C).


RESULTS
Poorer perceived diabetes control was associated with perceiving a greater impact of diabetes, greater depressive symptoms, not following a diabetic diet, A1C, and a trend toward less exercise. Variables associated with better actual control (A1C) included higher BMI, older age, and not using insulin.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients' perceptions of their diabetes control are informed by subjective diabetes cues (e.g., perceived impact of diabetes and adherence to a diabetic diet), which are not related to A1C. Clinicians should take into account what cues patients are using to assess their diabetes control.
McAndrew
Lisa M
LM
Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA. lisa.mcandrew@va.gov
Horowitz
Carol R
CR
Lancaster
Kristie J
KJ
Leventhal
Howard
H
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis
D001786:Blood Glucose