Type 2 diabetes management among homebound older adults

1. Abstract 1.1. Objective: The objectives of this study was to examine the methods homebound older adults used to control their blood glucose, the extent to which they were able to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as well as to determine if they were subject to depression. 1.2. Research Design and Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was used on 21 homebound older adults, aged 60 years or older, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a participant of Meals-on-Wheels or Salvation Army Golden Nutrition Dinner program and residing in DeKalb and Kane Counties of Illinois. Data collection began as soon as the informed consents were signed over a six-month rolling period. 1.3. Results: Self-blood glucose monitoring was the most reported primary method of blood glucose control (n = 9, 42.9%); average blood glucose of 50 mmol/mol ( HbA 1c  6.7%). Participants were highly independent in ADLs and moderately independent in IADLs . When diet therapy was reported as the primary method of control; mean blood glucose level was 33 mmol/mol (101.00 ± 73.91 mg/dL). No significant relationship found between ADL score and blood glucose levels (p=0.686) nor between depression and ability to perform ADLs (p=0.524) and/or IADLs (p=0.944). 1.4. Conclusion: Self-blood glucose monitoring was the reported primary method of blood glucose control yet, diet therapy as the primary method provided the most well controlled blood glucose levels.