Therapeutic adherence and metabolic control in patiens with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a hospital in the city of Medellín (Colombia) 2011

Abstract

The achievement of therapeutic goals, is of great importance in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM), because of its impact on morbidity and mortality. Objective: to explore the relationship between therapeutic adherence and metabolic control in patients with DM-2, who were seen at a hospital in the city of Medellín (Colombia). Methods: cross-sectional study involving patients with the following selection criteria: age ≥ 18 years, diagnosis of DM-2 ≥ 6 months, who signed informed consent. The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) score was applied for the measurement of therapeutic adherence and Duke-Unc score for the assessment of perception of social support. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was processed by turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (TINIA) Cobas C-501 equipment. Adequate metabolic control was defined as value of HbA1c ≤ 7%. Version 19.0 of the SPSS program was used for the statistical analysis. Results: 70 patients studied: 66% are female, 76% suffer from hypertension, 70% have dyslipidemias and 16 % smoke. In addition, 59% are insulindependent, 70% have inadequate glycemic controla and 87% has no social support. Items with the highest proportion of adherence were: medication (79%), foot care (71%) and diet (62%). Whereas the lowest were: HbA1c (32%) and exercise (28%). HbA1c correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with adherence to diet, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, social support and sex. Conclusion: therapeutic adherence was associated with metabolic control in patients with DM-2.