Learning Objective #1: Identify the effect of attitudes toward diabetes on glycemic control.

Learning Objective #2: Improve methods of individualizing treatment plans for individual's who have T2DM.

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Purpose:  Nearly twenty million Americans have T2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Newly diagnosed cases are increasing at an alarming rate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of attitudes toward diabetes on glycemic control.  The effects of the independent variable, individual attitudes toward diabetes on the dependent variable and critical outcome of glycemic control as measured by HbA1C levels was examined. The role of adherence as a mediator was also examined. Method: A multi-center, cross-sectional survey design was conducted. The Diabetes Attitude Scale-3 was used to assess individual attitudes toward diabetes. Adherence to treatment recommendations was evaluated using The Medical Outcomes Survey Adherence Specific Questions. Glycosated hemoglobin levels were measured at the time of survey administration using the Cholestech GDX analyzer. Data analysis methods included regression to test the ability of the independent variable, to predict glycemic control; multiple regression to test the mediator effect of adherence between attitudes toward diabetes and glycemic control; and T-tests to determine whether there are gender differences in attitudes toward diabetes, adherence to treatment, and glycemic control. Findings: 269 subjects 105 males (39%) and 164 females (61%) participated in the study. Subjects who reported an understanding of the severity of diabetes, had a more positive attitude toward diabetes, and were more adherent to treatment had lower HbA1c levels than those who did not understand the severity of diabetes, had a more negative attitude toward diabetes, and were not adherent to treatment. Discussion: Understanding the effect of individual’s attitudes toward diabetes on glycemic control will allow educators and providers to address concerns of the diabetic patient and develop treatment plans accordingly. It is of utmost importance to determine factors affecting glycemic control in order to assist patients in the prevention and delay of end-organ damage.