Association between glycemic control and the level of knowledge and disease awareness in type 2 diabetic patients.
BACKGROUND
Diabetes-related complications may be prevented if good metabolic control is achieved. In addition to drug therapy, patient education may facilitate better glycemic control.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between glycemic control and effective diabetes education using the knowledge and awareness (KA) questionnaire in type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover, the effect of age, duration of diabetes, sex, body mass index (BMI), and education level on glycemic control was assessed cross-sectionally.


METHODS
The study included 164 patients with type 2 diabetes. The KA questionnaire, adapted for Turkish population, was distributed among patients after establishing whether they received diabetes education. Associations between the questionnaire scores and glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and BMI were assessed.


RESULTS
A significant negative correlation was observed between KA scores and HbA(1c) and FBG levels. Sixty-three patients had received diabetes education. These patients had higher KA scores compared with the remaining group (24.0 ±4.0 vs. 16.8 ±5.37, respectively; P <0.0001) and lower HbA1c levels (6.5% vs. 8.5%, respectively; P <0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
In type 2 diabetic patients, the higher the KA score, the more efficient glycemic control can be achieved. Patients who require diabetes education can be identified by using questionnaires that determine their KA level and by using HbA(1c) tests.
Ozcelik
Fatih
F
Gumussuyu Military Hospital, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey. 68ozcelik@mynet.com
Yiginer
Omer
O
Arslan
Erol
E
Serdar
Muhittin A
MA
Uz
Omer
O
Kardesoglu
Ejder
E
Kurt
Ismail
I
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001786:Blood Glucose