ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the practices of non-medical management of diabetes mellitus by type 2 diabetes patients attending the diabetic clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among type 2 diabetes outpatients. The respondents were recruited consecutively from the consultant outpatient clinic of the hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and 216 were investigated (44% male; mean (+SD) age 60+9 years). A high proportion (41%) had secondary education; 45% were skilled workers; and 35% earned 31 000-60 000 Naira (US$150-$350) monthly. All respondents admitted receiving regular education on self-care management during clinic visits. Blood glucose checks were done weekly by 16% and monthly by 81%. However; only 47% possessed their own glucose meter. The majority (76%) adhered to a planned diet regimen; 60% exercised regularly; 93% checked their weight monthly; and 71% checked their blood pressure monthly. The type 2 diabetes patients were generally aware of the non-medical management of diabetes and their practice of it was fair. Statistically significant correlations were found between dietary adherence and increased diabetes duration (p=0.011). Regular exercise was more common in older (p=0.003) and better educated (p=0.007) patients. Possession of a glucose meter was; as expected; associated with higher education (p=0.00002) and monthly income (p=0.0001). There is a need for continuous promotion of these non-medical management practices and healthy lifestyles among type 2 diabetic patients whenever they come in contact with healthcare delivery systems
