ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among blood glucose, HbA1c, and self management comparing these with general and illness characteristics of subjects with Type II Diabetes living in the community. METHODS: Using a comprehensive survey developed for the study, data were collected from 82 type II diabetes patients who were registered at five community health departments. The variables of self management, blood glucose and HbA1c were assessed by nurses. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics including t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient to compare self management and level of HbA1c by subject's general and illness characteristics and to examine the relationships among variables. RESULTS: About 73.2% of the subjects' HbA1c were 7.0% or higher and 54.9% of subjects' blood glucose were 200 mg/dL or higher. The level of self management was moderate. Most frequently perceived reasons for failure of blood glucose control were dietary failure (32.9%). There was significant relationship between self management and HbA1c(r=-.223, p=.040). The mean score of self management were higher among female (t=-2.37, p=.021), who are not on diabetes medication (t=6.70, p=.011). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive intervention is needed to improve dietary self management, especially for male and those who is on diabetes medication.