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Patients' adherence to diabetes treatment
R Shobhana1, R Begum, C Snehalatha
1Diabetes Research Centre, 4, Main Road, Royapuram, Chennai-600 013.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Adherence to type 2 diabetes treatment is low, with only 25% of patients following prescriptions. Non-adherence is linked to socioeconomic status and education, not age or diabetes duration.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes requires lifelong adherence to treatment regimens.
- Patient adherence significantly impacts disease management and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient adherence to type 2 diabetes treatment prescriptions.
- To analyze the reasons contributing to non-adherence.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 386 type 2 diabetic patients was interviewed using a computerized proforma.
- Assessed adherence to treatment, diet, drug prescriptions, and home glucose monitoring.
- Collected data on demographics, treatment type (oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin/OHA combination), and diabetes duration.
Main Results:
- Only 25% of patients adhered to their treatment regularly.
- Dietary adherence was observed in 37%, and home glucose monitoring in 23%.
- Non-adherence was not correlated with age or diabetes duration but was higher in lower socioeconomic groups and inversely related to education.
Conclusions:
- High rates of non-adherence to treatment prescriptions were observed in type 2 diabetes patients.
- Frequent, individualized education and motivation are crucial for improving treatment compliance.