Barriers to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) self-care practices among older women

Objectives: Noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) constitutes a si gnificant threat to the health and well-being of older women. Appropriate s elf-care, the cornerstone of glycemic control, is reported to be modest. We aimed to investigate barriers to recommended self-care for NIDDM. Methods: A total of 51 African American and White women age 65 and older, completed the Diabetes Self-Care Barriers Assessment Scale for Older Adults, ethnome dical protocol, and other instruments during in-depth interviews. Results: African American women were more likely than their White counterparts to in dicate financial, pain, and visual barriers to self-care. Both African Amer ican and White women expressed a reluctance to check blood sugar and to exe rcise, however, most indicated that they regularly followed medication reco mmendations and visited their physician. Discussion: This study extends our knowledge of the existence of self-care barriers by providing a qualitativ e, in-depth perspective detailing how these barriers often prevent optimal self-care behaviors and, conceivably, successful glycemic control.