Awareness of diabetes complications in diabetic patients and diabetes self-care activities

Objective: This aim of this study is to examine the awareness of diabetes complications in diabetic patients and their diabetes self-care activities. Method: A total of 211 diabetic patients with Type 2 DM that applied to Izmir Bornova 6. Atatürk Family Health Center have formed the sample group. The study population consists of individuals with type 2 diabet who meet the inclusion criteria of the study and who has consented to be part of the study. Data of the study have been collected from June to November 2014. Personal Characteristics Introductory Survey and Diabetic Self-Care Activities Survey were developed by the researcher and used to collect data. Statistical analyzes were carried out by number, percentage, t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The findings of the study determined that the awareness of retinopathy of diabetic patients was 93.4%, diabetic foot 91.5%, neuropathy 86.7%, nephropathy 86.3%, stroke 73.5%, coronary failure 64.9%, and sexual function disorder 54.5%. The average scores of self-care activities, such as diet, blood sugar follow-up and foot care, of the patients who are aware of each complications are higher than the patients who are not aware of the complications. It found that awareness of complications didn't effect doing weekly exercise except for sexual dysfunction awareness. Conclusion: In this study, awareness of diabetes complications has been found in the range of 54% - 93%. The mean score of diabetes self-care behaviors that awareness of diabetes complications were significantly higher than those who are not aware. Key Words: awareness of diabetes complications, diabetes self-care activities.