Daring to Defy Diabetes: Analysis of Physiological Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Through the Understanding of the Self-Care Model

Abstract

Due to the alarming rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, diabetes is now considered an epidemic. Thus, it is essential to study components and factors of the disease to help patients achieve a better quality of life. Consequently, the main objective of this study is to determine if Asian Pacific Islander’s (API) who have type two diabetes and have better knowledge and self-management have better Hemoglobin A1c and total cholesterol levels. This question will be analyzed with data previously collected in the parent study and through the use of statistical regressions between knowledge of diabetes and self-management to the dependent variables of HbA1c and total cholesterol. Through the American Association of Diabetes Educators’ “Self-Care Behavior Framework” it is proposed that better knowledge leads to better self-management, which affects both psychological and physiological outcomes. The interactive role of self-efficacy in this relationship is not as well known. Two questionnaires were used for assessment, “The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities” and “Diabetes Knowledge Assessment.” The questionnaires include components of the modified self-care model, which consist of: general diet, specific diet, exercise, blood-glucose testing, taking medications, foot care and smoking. Consequently, it is predicted that patient’s understanding of the components of the self-care model promotes self-management and this may help to improve diabetic related outcomes. The inherent outcome is to increase patient and clinician awareness that self-management is a factor that contributes to better quality of life for patients battling diabetes many behavioral demands.