The impact of family support on adherence

Patients who perceive their family members to be ‘unsupportive’ are less adherent to their diabetes medication regimen – which, in turn, leads to worse glycaemic control, new research from focus group and surveys of more than 100 patients has found.

Patients who perceived that their family members were more knowledgeable about diabetes also tended to believe their family members were more supportive.

The researchers said there is a need for interventions that inform family members about diabetes and the importance of not ‘interfering’ with the self-care efforts of patients.

Diabetes Care 2012; online 26 April