Factors associated with glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic literature review

Abstract Objectives To perform a systematic review search and critically review the empirical evidence concerning the factors affecting glycaemic control in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. Background Previous primary studies have investigated the factors associated with glycaemic control among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes, but attempts to amalgamate these evidences have been methodologically limited. Hence, a robust review of the evidence is essential to explore factors that can be addressed to promote good glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. Design Mixed‐method systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis 2009 flow diagram, integrating evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies (see Supporting Information File S1 ). Methods A systematic review of the literature published between 2006–2017 was conducted in seven electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed and ScienceDirect) using the search terms “diabetes mellitus,” “glycemic control,” “self‐concept,” “knowledge,” “self‐efficacy,” “empowerment,” “race,” “ethnicity,” “duration,” “medication,” “obesity” and “comorbidity.” Results A total of 1,582 articles were initially retrieved, and 24 of these articles were included in this systematic literature review. The overall empirical evidence suggested that higher socio‐economic status, greater dietary knowledge, and higher self‐efficacy and empowerment improve glycaemic control among patients with diabetes mellitus. Conclusions This review presented the factors associated with glycaemic control that may pose significant socio‐economic problems to most nations worldwide and impede development nationally, regionally and even globally. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on implementing lifestyle changes on a societal level to stem the tide of the epidemic. Relevance to Clinical Practice There is a need to implement self‐management initiatives, that incorporate dietary knowledge, to empower patients with diabetes in their own care. Future public health policy must be geared towards increasing the capability of dealing with the rising incidence of diabetes and implementing primary prevention.