The effect of diabetes knowledge level on drug use and its relationship with glycemic values in patients with TYPE 2 DM

Purpose: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment, in which the functionality of pancreatic cells is impaired and sugar metabolism is impaired. The patient's drug compliance and level of knowledge about the disease affect the treatment results. In our study, in Type 2 DM patients; We aimed to investigate how much knowledge they have about their diseases, to what extent these patients comply with drug treatment, and to determine their blood sugar regulation status. Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by examining the data of at least 192 patients with Type 2 DM over the age of 18 who applied to family medicine and diabetes polyclinics between 20.10.2022 and 20.03.2023. Diabetes knowledge level was planned to be measured in patients using the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT-2). It was aimed to measure the drug compliance of the patients by using the drug compliance reporting scale (MARS). The regulation of the patients was evaluated by the HbA1c value in the last 6 months. Conclusion: A total of 192 patients, 48.4% (n=93) male and 51.6% (n=99) female, were included in the study. In terms of HbA1c regulation, the mean scores of both DKT-2 and MARS did not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.898 p=0.064). In terms of DKT-2; A significant difference was found in terms of educational status, occupation and income status (p=0.002; 0.038; <0.001, respectively). In terms of MARS; A significant difference was found in terms of insulin usage status and appropriate food selection at meals (p=0.027; 0.009). Results: Health care providers should give more importance to diabetes education so that they can take the necessary precautions in the treatment of patients, whether for self-care or to prevent complications. It is also necessary to increase the patients' compliance with diet, exercise and medication. Keywords: Type-2 diabetes mellitus, Michigan diabetes knowledge test, Medication compliance