Self-Reported Diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and Lifestyle Change Among Uninsured Primary Care Patients

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to examine self-reported diagnosis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and lifestyle change among uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic. METHODS: Free clinic patients participated in a self-administered survey in May and June 2016. Patients with the following self-reported diagnoses were analyzed: type 2 diabetes only (n = 84), and type 1 diabetes only or both (n = 43). RESULTS: Participants who reported having type 2 diabetes only and/or were patients of the diabetes clinic were less likely to have modified diet and/or physical activity to manage diabetes compared to those with type 1 diabetes and/or those who were not patients of the diabetes clinic. Participants with hypertension were more likely to have changed diet and/or physical activity compared to those without hypertension. CONCLUSION: Uninsured primary care patients may not know whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This is problematic as type 1 and type 2 diabetes require different prevention and self-management strategies. Future studies should examine the impact of misunderstanding the 2 types of diabetes on health behaviors and outcomes and explore the context of the misunderstanding.