Identification of diabetes self-management profiles in adults: a cluster analysis with selected self-reported outcomes

STUDY TYPE : Cross-sectional study using data from the 2014 follow-up of the CoDiab-VD cohort.
The current study describes diabetes self-management (DSM) profiles in adults using self-reported outcomes associated with the performance of diabetes care activities, and psychological adjustment to the condition. We used self-reported data from a community-based cohort of adults with diabetes (N= 316). We conducted clustering analysis on selected DSM self-reported outcomes (i.e., DSM behaviors, self-efficacy and perceived empowerment, diabetes distress and quality of life). We tested whether the clusters differed according to care delivery processes, socio-demographic and clinical variables. Clustering analysis revealed four distinct DSM profiles that combine high/low engagement in DSM, and good/poor psychological adjustment with the disease. The profiles are differently associated with variables of financial insecurity perceived, having an insulin treatment, having depression, and congruency of care received with the Chronic Care Model. The results could help health professionals gain a better understanding of the different realities of people living with diabetes, identify patients at risk of poor DSM-related outcomes, and lead to the development of profile-specific DSM interventions.