Adherence of Diabetic Patients to Healthy Lifestyle and Medication and Its Impact on Glycemic Control, Complications of Diabetes and Quality of Life: A Hospital Based Cross-Section Study in Benha City, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Diabetes, a growing concern globally, imposes significant health and economic burdens. Adherence to treatment is pivotal  for managing diabetes and improving patient outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the adherence effect on glycaemic control, quality of life, diabetic complications and comorbidities  of diabetes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 diabetic patients with type 1 and type 2 DM attending the Endocrine and  Diabetes Unit at Benha University Hospitals at Benha City, Egypt. All studied patients were compared according to adherence to  medications, adherence to healthy lifestyle and adherence to exercise and diet.

Results: Significant associations were observed between sociodemographic characteristics and adherence to diet, medication, and  physical activity. Higher adherence levels were linked with factors like education, marital status, and smoking status. Adherence to a  healthy diet was notably related to improved diabetic parameters, while poor adherence correlated with a higher prevalence of diabetic  complications, elevated lipid profiles, and elevated HbA1c levels.

Conclusions: Diabetic patients’ management interventions with comorbidity should focus on progressing of adherence to medication  and adherence to dietary and physical lifestyle.