DETERMINING THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF DIABETIC AWARENESS TO GLYCAEMIC LEVELS AND TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN KNOWN DIABETICS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Better diabetes knowledge is associated with better glycaemic control and medication adherence. Good
glycaemic control helps in decreasing diabetic complications secondary to medication adherence and self-management
by diabetic patients. Aim: The present clinical study was conducted to assess the interrelationship of diabetic knowledge
to glycaemic levels and treatment adherence in known diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: In 122 diabetic
patients, detailed history was recorded. Concerning adherence to the medication, the subjects were divided into three
categories based on Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores as follows; less than 6: poor adherence, 6-8: Moderate
adherence, and score of 8 as high adherence. The data was collected for results formulation. The collected data was
subjected to statistical evaluation and results were formulated. Results: Dyslipidaemia and hypertension were common
comorbidities seen. 72.13% (n = 88) subjects had a low adherence, 24.59% (n = 30) subjects had medium treatment
adherence, and 4.09% (n = 5) study subjects had high adherence to the treatment. Main factors noticed for adherence
lack were drug dependence fear, considering prescribed medicine ineffective, lack of hospital access, side effects,
alternate therapy shifting, discontinuation on their own, missing doses often, unawareness towards effects of missed
doses, time lack, and difficulty in following diet restrictions seen in 41.96% (n = 47), 23.21% (n = 26), 28.57% (n = 32),
45.53% (n = 51), 16.07% (n = 18, 18.75% (n = 21), 72.32% (n = 81), 66.96% (n = 75), 52.67% ( n = 59), and 72.32% (n = 81)
study subjects. Conclusion: Within its limitations, the present study concludes that awareness and knowledge concerning
diabetes is a vital factor governing adherence to advised anti-diabetic therapy. Diabetic subjects and healthcare
providers should be well-informed about the interrelationship of disease awareness and better compliance and adherence