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This study measured patient views about following tablet-taking and food-timing recommendations in Type 2 diabetes. Two new questionnaires were validated. Outpatients with Type 2 diabetes treated with sulphonylurea agents (n=131) completed the seven-item Diabetes Tablet Treatment Questionnaire (DTTQ) and nine-item Diabetes Food Timing Questionnaire (DFTQ). Mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.8% (S.D. 1.8%). At least 74% had optimal DTTQ item scores for tablet-taking as recommended, difficulty taking tablets, side effects, perceived hypoglycaemia and willingness to continue current tablets, but 71% scored sub-optimally regarding recent hyperglycaemia. Under half scored optimally on DFTQ items concerning eating at recommended times, difficulty with food-timing, denying oneself food and guilt about eating. Principal components and reliability analyses identified a two-item tablet problem scale within the DTTQ (alpha 0.72) and a seven-item food-timing problem scale in the DFTQ (alpha 0.77). Satisfaction and adherence were not closely related to glycaemic control. Only scores for perceived hyperglycaemia (r=0.38), perceived hypoglycaemia (r=-0.24) and satisfaction to continue current tablets (r=-0.20) correlated significantly with HbA1c. Clinicians found that the DTTQ helped to raise tablet-taking issues otherwise missed in consultations. Both questionnaires can be used to guide the need for focussed discussion, educational intervention and/or treatment change and to evaluate their impact.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.diabres.2005.07.013

Type

Journal article

Journal

Diabetes Res Clin Pract

Publication Date

12/2007

Volume

78

Pages

324 - 333

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Diet, Diabetic, Employment, Female, Humans, Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia, Hypoglycemic Agents, Male, Marital Status, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Patient Satisfaction, Reproducibility of Results, Sulfonylurea Compounds, Surveys and Questionnaires, Tablets