Differentiating approaches to diabetes self-management of multi-ethnic rural older adults at the extremes of glycemic control.
OBJECTIVE
This study identified approaches to diabetes self-management that differentiate persons with well-controlled from poorly controlled diabetes. Previous research has focused largely on persons participating in self-management interventions.


METHODS
In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 48 adults, drawn from a population-based sample aged 65 years or older with diabetes. The sample was stratified by sex and ethnic group (African American, American Indian, and White) from the low (A1C <6%) and high (A1C >8%) extremes of the glycemic control distribution. Case-based text analysis was guided by a model, including six self-management domains and four resource types (self-care, informal support, formal services, and medical care).


RESULTS
A "structured" approach to self-management differentiated respondents in good glycemic control from those in poor glycemic control. Those in good glycemic control were more likely to practice specific food behaviors to limit food consumption and practice regular blood glucose monitoring with specific target values. This approach was facilitated by a greater use of home aides to assist with diabetes care. Respondents in poor glycemic control demonstrated less structure, naming general food categories and checking blood glucose in reaction to symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Results provide evidence that degree of structure differentiates self-management approaches of persons with good and poor glycemic control. Findings should provide a foundation for further research to develop effective self-management programs for older adults with diabetes.
Brewer-Lowry
Aleshia Nichol
AN
Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
Arcury
Thomas A
TA
Bell
Ronny A
RA
Quandt
Sara A
SA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009657:North Carolina; D010349:Patient Compliance; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D012648:Self Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents