Elderly Patient’s Understanding on Self-management of Diabetes Mellitus in Bahrain

Diabetes mellitus currently affects over 422 million people worldwide and is a seventh leading cause of death. Between 2013 and 2016 there were 75,480 cases of diabetes in Bahrain. Self-care interventions for health are among the most promising and exciting new approaches contributing to universal health coverage. Lack of diabetic self-care behaviors can lead to more complications of the disease and is an essential part of controlling diabetes. The greater the understanding of diabetes, the more the self-management among diabetic elderly in Bahrain. Our aim was to examine the different types and understanding of diabetic self- management in older people with diabetes from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. A cross-sectional study was carried out among the diabetics in a diabetic center (n= 43) and in the community (n=393) in Bahrain using a validated survey instrument. Majority were Bahrainis (n=248); males (n=241) and 316 had the family history of diabetes. Of the responses to diabetic understanding: physical examinations of foot and eye, testing for blood sugar, lack of consultation with the dietician were significant (p<; 0.005). Likewise, of the responses to diabetic understanding among the insulin takers: low blood sugar levels, taking a drink or a snack and increasing diabetic treatment were significant (p<; 0.005). Normally, the diabetics in Bahrain prefer to consult diabetic clinics or a GP. Majority of the participants were taking tablets to control diabetes than insulin alone or both tablets and insulin or diet, tablets and insulin (p<; 0.005). Our study showed that the majority of the elderly with diabetes, regardless of socio-economic status, saw a medical professional, underwent some form of treatment and understood basic diabetes management.