The current status of self-management of type 2 diabetic people in Beijing, China

Introduction: In the Chinese community, rapid urbanization, sedentary life style, stress, smoking and changes in dietary may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies conducted in China showed an increasing prevalence rate from 1.1%in 1980 to 4.56% in 1996. However, no studies carried on self-management implementation is available in China now. Objectives: To describe the status of self-management implementation among diabetic people in Beijing and to identify possible factors influencing self-caring activities in Chinese context. The purpose was to provide the necessary information for future studies. Methods: This was a cross-section study. It had a descriptive approach. The study combined both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The quantitative method included a questionnaire. The qualitative method included an unstructured interview at respondent’s home and two focus group discussions. Results: The age span of all participants, including both male and female, was 35-70yrs. 17% respondents had poor self-management of their diabetes. Dietary regimen, physical exercise, adherence to both prescription and self-monitoring were the most difficult activities related to self-management. People in the younger age group had the tendency of poor selfmanagement. Knowledge about diabetes and self-management, good public health insurance and good family care played a positive effect on the self-management implementation, carelessness about diabetes, stress and poor quality of health service offered played a negative effect on self-management. Conclusion: The self-management among type 2 diabetic people in Beijing was poor. Attitude towards diabetes, stress, socio-family care services had effects on self-management. There is a need to focus on advocating healthy life style, keeping on traditional Chinese diet. A professional team, including physician, dietician, diabetic nurse and educator needs to be built. Systematic education is one important measure to encourage life style changes and consequently diabetic self-management