Abstract
Objective : To define the life style of diabetic patients especially those in the work force and to study the problems related to treatment of diabetes in patients who require treatment during working hours.
Research design and method : The study subjects were 698 outpatients of our diabetes mellitus clinic. A questionnaire on the life style, work and home conditions and treatment modalities, was sent to these patients.
Results : (1) The mean HbA1c level of 317 working diabetic patients (7.2±1.7%) was significantly higher than that of 381 non-working diabetic patients (6.7±1.2%). (2) The proportion of alcohol drinkers and smokers was higher while the proportion of those taking regular exercise was lower in the working patients than in the non-working patients. (3) Importantly, any medication including insulin injections is needed during working hours in 22.8% of the working patients, 26.4% of whom sometimes fail to take their medications as well as insulin injections.
Conclusions : Blood glucose control of working patients may be worse than that of non-working patients, and some patients may fail to take their medications including insulin injections while at work. These alarming results emphasize the need for special programs to educate patients and their employers on the need for strict adherence to treatment of diabetes mellitus.
