Diabetes self-management (DSM) in Omani with type-2 diabetes

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the status of diabetes self-management (DSM) among Omanis with type-2 diabetes and its relationship with glycemic control and demographic variables. Methods: A correlational descriptive design using questionnaire was conducted with a convenience sample of 266 Omani patients with type-2 diabetes to collect the data. Results: The findings indicated that DSM among the study subject is sub-optimal. Only 1% of them were regular on SMBG; 9.5% of them exercise regularly; and 18% of them maintain healthy diet practices. No significant relationship between DSM and glycemic control (p >0.05) was found. DSM was found to be associated with age, gender, level of education, and duration of diabetes. Examining the differences between two regions in Oman (Muscat & Aldhakiliyah) indicated that participants from Muscat differ only in practicing SMBG. Conclusion: Results indicated that many Omani patients with type-2 diabetes do not perform DSM consistently. Practice implications: The findings of this study set the stage to develop teaching strategies that will improve DSM and subsequently improve diabetes management in patient with type-2 diabetes in Oman. Copyright (C) 2014, Chinese Nursing Association. Production and hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.