Evaluation of the relationship between metabolic parameters and health literacy and medication adherence in Type 2 diabetic patients

Aim: The purpose of this algorithm is to enable patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to utilize health literacy and medication adherence and to dissociate these from metabolic impact. Material and method: The study was conducted at the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Clinic of İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center between May 1 and October 31, 2024. Patients diagnosed with T2DM for more than six months, using at least one medication, and aged 18 or older were included. Sociodemographic data were recorded, and Turkish-adapted health literacy and medication adherence scales were administered. Higher scores on the scales indicate better health literacy and adherence. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Findings: 310 patients participated in the study (54.8% male, 45.2% female). The mean health literacy score was 43.49 ± 10.05, and the mean medication adherence score was 20.4 ± 3.19. HbA1C was 8.3% in the low health literacy group and 7.6% in the high health literacy group, and a significant difference was found (p<0.001). Insulin level was 14.01 mIU/L in the low group and 11.1 mIU/L in the high group, and the difference was significant (p=0.004). HbA1C levels were also significantly lower in those with high medication adherence (p=0.001). No difference was found in other parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that health literacy and medication adherence significantly impact metabolic control in patients with T2DM. The findings highlight the potential contributions of clinical pharmacists to diabetes management. Key words: Clinical pharmacy, Health literacy, Medication compliance, Type 2 diabetes