Abstract
Background This study of 118 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients
attending the out-patient department of Tesabarn Nakorn Chiangmai Hospital in the period
from January 2001 to June 2005 was conducted in order to study factors that affect
the change in blood sugar and blood lipid levels of those practicing self-dietary control
and self-care behavior.
Methods To evaluate the effects of dietary self-control, and self-care behavior on
blood sugar and blood lipid levels, a descriptive and retrospective study using an interview
form and a blood sugar record form was undertaken.
Results Of the total 118 patients aged 33-86 years, comprising 33 males (27.97%) and 85 females (72.03%), 66 of them (55.93%) had blood sugar levels below 120 mg/dl; 36
(30.51 %) had blood sugar levels of 121-140 mg/dl; and 16 (13.56%) had blood sugar
levels above 140 mg/dl. Sixty-nine patients (58.47%) had total cholesterol levels above
200 mg/dl; 58 patients (49.15%) had triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dl; 60 patients
(50.85%) had low-density lipid levels (LDL-C) above 130 mg/dl; and 46 patients (38.98%)
had high-density lipid (HDL-C) levels below 40 mg/dl.
Normal body mass index (BMI), good dietary control and good self-care behavior
tended to decrease blood sugar levels better than others, but the result was not statistically
significant.
Conclusions Multi-medical personnel should work together in the management of
diabetic patients in order to enable good control of blood sugar levels.
