Exploring glycemic control, self-care management and COVID-19 experience among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in community pharmacies

Objective: Diabetes is a chronic disease with significant health implications, exacerbated by the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic for individuals with chronic illnesses. This study evaluates self-care management, medication adherence, glycemic control, and COVID-19 experiences among T2DM patients in Türkiye during the pandemic. Materails and Methods: A cross-sectional design involved 2772 T2DM patients approached from 67 community pharmacists, with 462 eligible patients participating in the survey using a Turkish validated MARS and DSMQ questionnaires along lab results. Results: Nearly 51% reported experiencing COVID-19. A significant proportion (58.9%) were identified as non-adherent to their medications and scored significantly lower on all DSMQ subscales. Only a few (33.3%) achieved the target HbA1c level or total cholesterol (30.3%). Higher DSMQ general scale scores were associated with lower HbA1c levels and improved medication adherence. Poor glycemic control and multiple comorbidities were linked to hospitalization or ER admission due to COVID-19. Conclusion: A concerning proportion of diabetic patients failing to achieve treatment targets is seen, particularly those with multiple morbidities, adding strain to the current healthcare system. Addressing medication adherence, glycemic control, and self-care activities is critical for better supporting diabetic patients and improving overall healthcare outcomes in the post-COVID-19 era. Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; adherence; self-care; glycemic control, COVID-19