Self-perception of glycemic control among Japanese type 2 diabetic patients: accuracy 
of patient perception and characteristics 
of patients with misperception.

aimsSome diabetic patients, despite reporting a good perception of their glycemic control, actually show poor control and this misperception might well hinder successful diabetes management. This study aimed to assess patients' self-perception of glycemic control and to clarify factors associated with misperception of glycemic control status.

methodsBaseline data from a hospital-based prospective cohort of 519 type 2 diabetic patients were analyzed. Self-perception of glycemic control and other items, including sociodemographic factors and blood test data, were determined from a self-administered questionnaire and medical records. Factors associated with misperception were examined by age group (elderly [aged ≥ 65 years] vs non-elderly [aged < 65 years]) using multiple logistic regression analysis.

resultsAmong poorly controlled patients, misperception was higher in the elderly (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.4-8.3, 55.1%; HbA1c >8.4, 44.8%) than in the non-elderly (HbA1c 7.4-8.3, 20.0%; HbA1c >8.4, 18.9%). The factors significantly associated with misperception were as follows: high lifestyle regimen adherence in both age groups (non-elderly group odds ratio [OR] 5.23; elderly group OR 5.15, respectively); high family support (OR = 7.32), failure to achieve blood pressure control (OR = 6.94) and having diabetic complications (OR = 0.06) among the non-elderly; and long duration of diabetes (OR = 4.06) among the elderly.

conclusionsFor better management of diabetes, physicians should pay attention to the patient characteristics associated with misperception among uncontrolled diabetic patients, particularly among those who are elderly.