Determinants of glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes: testing a process model based on self-determination theory.

AIMS: To investigate a hypothesised process model based on self-determination theory (SDT) in a population of people with type 2 diabetes. The model suggests that autonomy support from healthcare professionals is an important determinant of autonomous motivation and perceived competence in diabetes, which correlate positively in turn with wellbeing and negatively with HbA1c. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used baseline questionnaire data and HbA1c levels from a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a person-centred consultation program. The questionnaire used validated scales and items assessing autonomy support, wellbeing, motivation, self-care activities, diabetes distress and perceived competence. Pearson correlations were calculated, and mediation analysis was conducted by multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: 116 participants completed the questionnaire. Autonomy support was significantly correlated with perceived competence and controlled motivation. Perceived competence correlated negatively with diabetes distress and positively with self-care activities. Diabetes distress correlated negatively with wellbeing. Controlled motivation correlated positively with autonomous motivation, which correlated positively with both wellbeing and self-care activities. Self-care activities correlated negatively with HbA1c. CONCLUSION: As suggested by the hypothesised SDT process model, autonomy support, autonomous motivation and perceived competence are associated with better wellbeing and improved HbA1c.

Improving empowerment, motivation, and medical adherence in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial of a patient-centered intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether an intervention consisting of four patient-centered consultations improves glycemic control and self-management skills in patients with poorly regulated type 2 diabetes (T2DM), compared to a control group receiving usual care. METHODS: Unblinded parallel randomized controlled trial including 97 adults diagnosed with T2DM ≥ 1 year and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels ≥ 8.0% (64 mmol/mol). Consultations incorporated tools supporting self-reflection, learning processes, and goal setting. Primary outcome was HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were autonomy support, motivation, self-management skills, and well-being. RESULTS: Average HbA1c decreased slightly in both groups. Autonomy support and frequency of healthy eating were significantly higher in the intervention group. Most participants in the intervention group chose to set goals related to diet and physical exercise. Implementation of the intervention was inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Despite increased autonomy support and individual goal-setting, the intervention was not superior to usual care in terms of glycemic control. More research is needed on how individual preferences and goals can be supported in practice to achieve sustainable behavior changes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The intervention promoted participant engagement and supported exploration of participants' challenges and preferences. Further exploration of more flexible use of tools adapted to individual contexts is recommended.