Knowledge and beliefs regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Mexico

To investigate adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in a rural area of Mexico in order to explore their knowledge and beliefs regarding diabetes.

A pilot study was conducted in a rural town in Morelos, Mexico. Adults over the age of 40 were invited to participate in a screening program for DM, and those who had been previously diagnosed with Type 2 DM were invited for an interview to learn about their knowledge and beliefs regarding diabetes.

The glucose screening project enrolled 521 participants, including 56 previously diagnosed with Type 2 DM. Interviews were conducted with 37 of those with previously diagnosed DM. Almost all individuals in the interview sample held causal explanations based on non-scientific beliefs. Home remedies were used by a majority, and most informants used one or more methods. Blood glucose monitoring was virtually non-existent. The most frequently reported source of social support was family members. Physicians appeared to be a less important source of support.

Most respondents would like to improve management of their DM, and they try to do so with whatever resources they can afford; however, a lack of information and restricted economic resources appear to limit the availability of modern medical resources. Without the availability of glucose monitoring/screening programs and affordable medication, it appears unlikely that improved treatment of Type 2 DM will occur. Dietary changes and other management approaches may be best modified through family and community influence, instead of the individual lifestyle modification strategies described in the US Type 2 DM management model.