Self-care behaviors of Filipino-American adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract 

Aim

To examine the diabetes self-care behaviors of Filipino-American (FA) adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Method

The Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities–Revised and Expanded measure was administered to 192 (74 males and 118 females) FA adult immigrants with type 2 DM.

Results

Older FAs (≥65 years), females, those who were older when they immigrated, and participants diagnosed with type 2 DM longer were more likely to follow recommended medication regimens. Younger FAs (<65 years) and participants diagnosed with type 2 DM for shorter duration of time were less likely to perform blood glucose testing. Most FAs reported following their eating plans; however, those who lived in the United States (US) longer followed healthful eating plans. Likewise, females reported eating five or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily. Moreover, older FAs reported evenly spacing carbohydrate intake everyday. Furthermore, older participants, those with less education, participants who were older when they immigrated, and those older when diagnosed with type 2 DM ate fewer foods high in fats. As to physical activity, FA males and participants with higher education exercised more frequently.

Conclusion

Younger FAs were less likely to perform optimum type 2 DM self-care behaviors pertaining to diet, medication taking, and blood glucose testing compared to their older counterparts. This finding suggests an increased risk for type 2 DM comorbidities and/or complications in younger FAs, which may require more intensive treatments in later years.

Keywords: Self-care, Filipino Immigrants, Type 2 diabetes