Low Self-Efficacy Lead to Failure in Adopting CHO-Counting Approach to Control Diabetes: Pilot Study

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of self-efficacy in adopting carbohydrate counting behavior on their glycemic control, lipid profile and body weight among patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-efficacy was measured using chwarzer and Renner self-efficacy scale. All patients, regardless of their self-efficacy score, received an intervention composed of tailored diet plans based on the carbohydrate counting method. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. The short-acting insulin dose was modified based on the total amount of carbohydrate per meal. Two patients (1 and 2) out of five recorded high self-efficacy scores. A significant decrease (p<0.001) in FBG, HbA1c, total cholesterol and LDL and an increase in HDL levels were observed in patients 1 and 2 when baseline readings compared to the six-month readings. A decrease in daily insulin dose was observed after the intervention for patients 1 and 2. The significant differences were also found in weight, BMI and body fat percentage after intervention period. Regarding the three patients (3, 4 and 5) who recorded low self-efficacy scores, a significant improvement was found in total cholesterol and triglycerides in patients 3 and 4. It could be concluded that high self-efficacy for adopting carbohydrate counting-based dietary regimens may be effective in improving health status for patients with diabetes.