Abstract
Background
Food insecurity can increase risks of health and nutritional problems, leading to difficulties in self-care and poor glycemic control in diabetic patients. This study assessed food insecurity and its association with diabetes control and self-care in type 2 diabetes patients.
Methods
In this cross sectional study, 148 adults with type 2 diabetes participated. Food insecurity and self-care were determined using the 18-item USDA household food security status questionnaire and self-care (SDSCA) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression tests (SPSS 20 software).
Results
Thirty-seven percent of the participants were food-insecure and significantly more likely than food-secure participants to have poor glycemic control (OR = 3.02; CI: 1.45–2.65). No significant association was found between food-insecurity and overall self-care score.
Conclusion
Food-insecurity was directly associated with poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. Since economic status was significantly better in the food-secure group, it can be postulated that financial problems will eventually lead to poor glycemic control. Policy strategies to increase access to diabetes-appropriate foods may reduce socioeconomic inequalities in glycemic control.
Predictors of Diabetes Self-Care Practice Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Public Hospitals in Northeastern Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
