Knowledge of A1c Predicts Diabetes Self-Management and A1c Level among Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

This study was to identify current A1c understanding status among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, assess if knowledge of A1c affects their diabetes self-management and their glycemic control and recognize the factors influencing knowledge of A1c among patients with type 2 diabetes. A multi-center, cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and July 2010 in 50 medical centers in the Mainland China. Participants were recruited from inpatients and outpatients who were admitted to or visited those medical centers. The survey included core questions about their demographic characteristics, diabetes self-management behavior, and A1c knowledge. Overall, of 5957 patients, the percentage of patients with good understanding was 25.3%. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the variables related to the knowledge of A1c status are presented. We discovered that patients with longer diabetes duration (OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.04–1.06) and having received diabetes education (OR = 1.80; 95%CI = 1.49–2.17) were overrepresented in the good understanding of A1c group. In addition, compared to no education level, higher education level was statistically associated with good understanding of A1c (P<0.001). The percentage of patients with good understanding varied from region to region (P<0.001), with Eastern being highest (OR = 1.54; 95%CI = 1.32–1.80), followed by Central (OR = 1.25; 95%CI = 1.02–1.53), when referring to Western. Only a minority of patients with type 2 diabetes in China understood their A1c value. The patients who had a good understanding of their A1c demonstrated significantly better diabetes self-management behavior and had lower A1c levels than those who did not.

Factors associated with self‐management among Vietnamese adults with type 2 diabetes

“…This means that when adults with T2DM have more diabetes knowledge, they are more likely to perform DSM in better ways for their health. This findings is consistent with findings from previous studies (Asmamaw et al., 2015; Kueh et al., 2015; van der Heide et al., 2014; Yang et al., 2016) and SCT (Bandura, 2004). To enhance the likelihood of DSM being practised among adults with T2DM in Vietnam, healthcare professionals need to advise their clients of the importance of monitoring their blood glucose levels and the meaning of A1C (Yang et al., 2016).…”

“…This findings is consistent with findings from previous studies (Asmamaw et al., 2015; Kueh et al., 2015; van der Heide et al., 2014; Yang et al., 2016) and SCT (Bandura, 2004). To enhance the likelihood of DSM being practised among adults with T2DM in Vietnam, healthcare professionals need to advise their clients of the importance of monitoring their blood glucose levels and the meaning of A1C (Yang et al., 2016). Healthcare professionals in Vietnam also need to provide advice on appropriate DSM activities (Kueh et al., 2015) and individualize their advice for diabetes management (van der Heide et al., 2014).…”

“…The content of diabetes knowledge is required to perform diabetes management activities (Yang et al., 2016). Specifically, adults with T2DM require knowledge about the importance of following DSM guidelines and appropriate ways of performing DSM activities (Kueh et al., 2015).…”

Educational disparities in the associations between self‐monitoring of blood glucose and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients inXiamen,China

“…Compared with uneducated individuals, higher educational attainment was statistically associated with a better understanding of HbA1c measurements . It has been reported that only a minority of patients with T2DM in China understand the implications of their HbA1cmeasurements . Better diabetes self‐management behavior and good glycemic control will be formed in patients who are aware of the significance of HbA1c levels.…”

Quality of care for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tripoli Medical Center: a retrospective study of 628 patients

“…HbA 1c measurement is an essential indicator for optimal quality of diabetes care. Studies have found an association between adherence to HbA 1c measurement and quality outputs [26][27][28].…”