Treatment compliance among previously diagnosed type 2 diabetics in a rural area in Southern India

BACKGROUND: Treatment adherence will help to achieve good glycemic control among diabetics and will lead to lesser complications associated with the disease. This study was carried out to determine the compliance to treatment among previously diagnosed diabetic patient and their level of glycemic control, in a rural area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all previously diagnosed diabetics above 30 years, on treatment for more than 6 months. Nonadherence was defined as “missing more than 2 doses” in the last 15 days. Glycemic control was assessed by performing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). RESULTS: Among 155 people interviewed, 140 (90.3%) were found to be compliant to the treatment. Treatment compliance was significantly associated with duration of Diabetes and age. However gender, literacy status, occupation, and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with compliance. The most common reasons for noncompliance was the asymptomatic nature of the disease (60%) and the high cost of treatment (33.3%). Forty-two percent of participants were found to have poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8%). CONCLUSION: Treatment compliance was found to be good among diabetic patients. The treatment compliance increases with increase in the duration of the disease. Many have poor glycemic control, which is a matter of concern. They need more regular follow-up to adjust the treatment label for better glycemic control.