Association of glycaemic control with demographics, diabetes management information and body fat composition in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): a need for multi-disciplinary management

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that can cause complications due to poor glycaemic control. The demographic characteristics, information related to DM and management, anthropometric variables, and the body fat composition of T2DM individuals are important factors influencing glycaemic control. This study was conducted to explore the association between glycaemic control and selected demographic characteristics, information on T2DM management, and body fat composition in T2DM patients. This cross-sectional survey amongst people with T2DM was conducted in the Udupi district of South India. A number of 467 participants were selected for the study using a simple random sampling technique. The survey included three parts: a questionnaire, an anthropometric and body fat composition measurement, and a biochemical assessment. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that not consulting the dietician (OR=6.074); the presence of complications (OR=2.955); visceral fat ≥10 (OR=2.037); non-compliance to exercise (OR=2.007); availing treatment from the private sector (OR=1.85); and non-consumption of traditional remedies (OR=1.651) were the associated factors to poor glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Not consulting dieticians, complications, non-compliance to exercise, not consuming traditional remedies, visceral fat ≥10 and availing treatment at private setup were the significant associated factors for the poor glycemic control.