Evaluation of Factors Affecting Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients at Akkapi Family Health Center

Abstract Objective and Aim Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem, and achieving glycemic control is critically important in primary care settings. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic, lifestyle, treatment adherence, healthcare access, and psychosocial factors affecting glycemic control (HbA1c) in patients with T2DM followed at a family health center. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 April and 15 June 2025 at Akkapi No. 2 Family Health Center, Seyhan, Adana, Türkiye. A total of 120 registered patients with T2DM (out of 254 registered diabetic patients) were included after sample size calculation. Data were collected via a comprehensive questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, lifestyle and dietary habits, treatment adherence, healthcare utilization, and perceived glycemic control. Laboratory results, including HbA1c, were obtained from patient records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age of the participants was 57.51 ± 11.13 years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.68 ± 4.65 kg/m², and mean duration of diabetes diagnosis was 8.44 ± 7.61 years. When lifestyle and dietary habits were examined, 93.3% of the participants consumed at least two main meals per day, 38.3% consumed snacks, and 81.7% slept 7–8 hours per night. Regarding healthcare services and follow-up, 40% of the participants had not attended a doctor’s visit in the last 6 months, 70% had received diabetes education, and 87.5% reported no difficulty in treatment adherence. When the relationship between HbA1c levels and sociodemographic characteristics was evaluated, statistically significant differences were found between HbA1c and education level, treatment adherence, type of treatment, and physical activity (p1=0.039, p2=0.000, p3=0.004, p4=0.033). Conclusions The main factors associated with better glycemic control in primary care are higher education and income levels, regular physical activity, and strong treatment adherence. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored diabetes education programs, especially for individuals with low literacy, promoting regular physical activity, enhancing treatment adherence with supportive tools, and removing barriers to healthcare access. Keywords: Glycemic Control, Hba1c, Family Medicine, Treatment Adherence