Factors affecting blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients referred to Imam Reza Clinic of Arak, Iran

An efficient diabetes control delays the emergence of the side effects of the disease. The present study aimed to assess factors associated with blood sugar indices in type 2 diabetic patients.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 diabetic individuals who were referred to Imam Reza Clinic in Arak, Iran, in 2019. To this end, all type 2 diabetes mellitus patients subjected to fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-hour postprandial (2hpp), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests during the recent one month were selected using a convenience sampling method. Additionally, a demographic checklist and the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaire were filled out through face-to-face interviews.

Based on the results, blood sugar levels, especially HbA1c were related to residence (P=0.012) and access to health clinics (P=0.028) so that those with easier access had lower blood sugar indices. Further, an inverse correlation was observed between the HbAlc value and health literacy (P=0.013). An increase in the education level improved blood sugar amount, although the relationship was not significant. Finally, the mean value of 2hpp was related to the family support level, thus better family support led to a lower amount.

The results suggested a relationship between access to health clinics, residence, family support, health literacy, and occupation with blood sugar levels in diabetic subjects.