Conclusions
In this research, low general self-care scores were found for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with regard to diet, exercise and glucose monitoring, as well as poor glycemic control and high prevalence of obesity/overweight. For better general self-care behaviors, better health indicators were found, such as better glycosilated hemoglobin, low BMI and less body fat, the latter influenced by gender. As for self-care dimensions, for more diet actions, a lower body fat percentage was observed, influenced by gender and previous understanding of diabetes contents.
This study reveals the need to reconsider the teaching contents and strategies health professionals use for diabetes patient education. Cognitive-educative multidisciplinary interventions directed at adults can favor the individual and responsible acquisition of healthy behaviors, mainly regarding diet, exercise and self-monitoring, which affect glycemic control, so as to decrease the risk of complications and improve quality of life. Different social, cognitive and cultural factors need to be explored to guarantee learning that makes diabetes patients take effective actions. Specifically nurses, in the role of health promoters, can facilitate the acquisition of these skills and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of individual health.