Change of glycaemic control and predictors in diabetes patients: Longitudinal observational study during the one year after hospital discharge

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) might reflect glycaemic control in persons with diabetes. Study aims were to identify changes in glycated haemoglobin values and predictors (baseline coping behaviour, fasting plasma glucose, disease-related and demographic factors) in patients during 1 year after hospital discharge. A longitudinal prospective design with convenience sampling was used. Subjects were recruited from a community hospital in Taiwan. Measures included Jalowiec Coping Scale, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c values, and demographics. Generalized estimating equation was used to determine factors of change in glycated haemoglobin. A total of 57 patients completed 1 year of follow-up. Half did not receive diabetes mellitus education and regular exercise. Patients' glycated haemoglobin levels follow controls at 6 months after discharge. Patients with higher levels of blood glucose, less problem-focused coping and greater emotion-focused coping were associated with poor glycaemic control. Education programmes should involve individual-centred care and health behaviours for prevention of diabetes complications.