Self-Care Practices and Their Association with Glycemic Indices among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending a rural Health Care Facility in Karnataka

Self-care plays a significant role in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in rural settings. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between self-care behaviors and glycemic control among 142 T2DM patients at a rural healthcare facility in Karnataka. Data were collected using the diabetes self-care questionnaire (DSMQ) from March to April 2023. The mean age of participants was 55.3 ± 12.9 years, and the median duration of diabetes was 4 years. Chronic complications were reported in 74.6%, with foot and leg issues being the most common. The median blood sugar level was 208.5 mg/dl. Only 24.5% achieved optimal glucose management. Medication adherence was observed in 68.3%, with sulfonylureas (82.7%) and biguanides (56.3%) being the most commonly used drugs. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with age >50 years and self-reported obesity. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve self-care, especially among older and overweight individuals, to achieve better glycemic outcomes in rural communities.