Quality of primary health care and autonomous motivation for effective diabetes self-management among patients with type 2 diabetes

This study showed, in line with self-determination theory, that of the six central quality dimensions of primary health care (access to care, continuity of care, diabetes counseling, autonomy support from one’s physician, trust, patient-centered care), autonomy support from one’s physician was most strongly associated with autonomous motivation (self-regulation) for effective diabetes self-management among patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 2866). However, overall support for diabetes care received from friends, family members, other patients with diabetes, and health care professionals may even play a greater role.