Factors affecting blood sugar levels in type ۲ diabetic patients referred to Imam Reza Clinic of Arak, Iran

Background and aims: An efficient diabetes control delays the emergence of the side effects of the disease. The present study aimed to assess factors associated with blood sugar indices in type ۲ diabetic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among ۲۰۱ diabetic individuals who were referred to Imam Reza Clinic in Arak, Iran, in ۲۰۱۹. To this end, all type ۲ diabetes mellitus patients subjected to fasting blood sugar (FBS), ۲-hour postprandial (۲hpp), and hemoglobin A۱c (HbA۱c) tests during the recent one month were selected using a convenience sampling method. Additionally, a demographic checklist and the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaire were filled out through face-to-face interviews. Results: Based on the results, blood sugar levels, especially HbA۱c were related to residence (P = ۰.۰۱۲) and access to health clinics (P = ۰.۰۲۸) so that those with easier access had lower blood sugar indices. Further, an inverse correlation was observed between the HbAlc value and health literacy (P = ۰.۰۱۳). An increase in the education level improved blood sugar amount, although the relationship was not significant. Finally, the mean value of ۲hpp was related to the family support level, thus better family support led to a lower amount. Conclusion: The results suggested a relationship between access to health clinics, residence, family support, health literacy, and occupation with blood sugar levels in diabetic subjects.