Objective: To investigate the self-care practices of Malaysian adults with diabetes and sub-optimal glycaemic control. Methods: Using a one-to-one interviewing approach, data were collected from 126 diabetic adults from four settings. A 75-item questionnaire was used to assess diabetes-related knowledge and self-care practices regarding, diet, medication, physical activity and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Results: Most subjects had received advice on the importance of self-care in the management of their diabetes and recognised its importance.
Sixty-seven subjects (53%) scored below 50% in their diabetes-related knowledge. Subjects who consumed more meals per day (80%), or who did not include their regular sweetened food intakes in their daily meal plan (80%), or who were inactive in daily life (54%), had higher mean fasting blood glucose levels ( p = 0.04). Subjects with…
