Original Research

Lifestyle advice, processes of care and glycaemic control amongst patients with type 2 diabetes in a South African primary care facility

Aswin Kalain, Olufemi B. Omole
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 12, No 1 | a2163 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2163 | © 2020 Aswin Kalain, Olufemi B. Omole | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 30 May 2019 | Published: 24 March 2020

About the author(s)

Aswin Kalain, Division of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Olufemi B. Omole, Division of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The influence of processes of diabetes care on glycaemic control is understudied in primary health care (PHC).

Aim: To explore the influence of lifestyle advice, drug regimen and other processes of care on glycaemic control.

Setting: Johan Heyns Community Health Centre, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study involving 200 participants with type-2 diabetes, we collected information on sociodemography, comorbidity, processes of diabetes care, drug regimen and receipt of lifestyle advice. Anthropometric measures and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were also determined.

Results: Participants’ mean age was 57.8 years and most were black people (88%), females (63%), overweight or obese (94.5%), had diabetes for < 10 years (67.9%) and hypertension as comorbidity (98%). Most participants received lifestyle advice on one of diet, exercise and weight control (67%) and had their blood pressure (BP) checked (93%) in the preceding 12 months. However, < 2% had any of HbA1c, weight, waist circumference or body mass index checked. Glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%) was achieved in only 24.5% of participants. Exclusive insulin or oral drug was prescribed in 5% and 62% of participants, respectively. Compared to insulin monotherapy, participants on combined metformin and insulin or metformin, sulphonylurea and insulin were less likely to have glycaemic control. Comorbid congestive cardiac failure (CCF) significantly increased the likelihood of glycaemic control.

Conclusion: There is substantial shortcomings in the implementation of key processes of diabetes care and glycaemic control. Strategies are needed to prompt and compel healthcare providers to implement evidence-based diabetes guidelines during clinic visits in South African PHC.


Keywords

lifestyle advice; processes of care; type 2 diabetes; glycaemic control; anthropometric

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Crossref Citations

1. Glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients in sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Jean-Pierre Fina Lubaki, Olufemi Babatunde Omole, Joel Msafiri Francis
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome  vol: 14  issue: 1  year: 2022  
doi: 10.1186/s13098-022-00902-0