Factors associated with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Achieving glycemic control significantly improves the progression of the disease among diabetes mellitus patients although this is not achieved by many diabetics. The aim of the study is to explore the factors associated with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients and methods: In addition to sociodemographic variables, beliefs about medications and medication adherence were evaluated using the validated Beliefs about Medications Questionnaire and the 4-item medication adherence scale. A cut-off point of HbA1c% <7 was used as an indicator of glycemic control. Stepwise binary logistic regression was conducted to explore the variables associated with poor glycemic control.

Results: A total of 287 patients participated in the study. More than half (58%) were found to have poor glycemic control‎. Females had significantly higher odds of having controlled diabetes (OR=2.28, p-value <0.01). Increasing necessity for diabetes medications was significantly associated with improved glycemic control (OR=2.75, p-value <0.01). Participants in low or moderate adherence groups had significantly higher odds of having uncontrolled diabetes.

Conclusions: Future diabetes management programs should focus on emphasizing medication necessity and improving medication adherence, particularly for male patients, with the aim of improving glycemic control and health outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes.