Evaluation of ADL and BMI in the management of diabetes mellitus at secondary and tertiary health facilities.

Aims: Physical activities of daily living (ADL) constitutes one of diabetes management options. This study aimed to assess the extent that ADL and BMI are evaluated among diabetes patients in hospital practice.

Method: This was a clinical observational baseline study in two hospitals. Audit of medical files was performed to assess if BMI and occupations were recorded (N = 112). Afterwards, 'N = 38' who consented to participate in prospective study were conveniently sampled to assess ADL in relation to accessible metabolic syndrome tests. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results: Audit shows 55/112 of clients' occupation were taken, of which 31% has BMI record. Those with lipid profile results are without blood pressure and vice versa. In the cross-sectional assessment, 74% are in physically demanding ADL occupations, but affirmed inactivity is 98% on leisure exercise. Further, 47% have BMI >25 kg/m and were consistently less active on all leisure ADL relative to those with BMI <25 kg/m (p < 0.02).

Conclusion: This report highlights oversight in clinical practice, whereby accessible metabolic syndrome parameters and occupation of clients living with diabetes are being assessed inconsistently. This implies an unmet need in the integration BMI and occupational information to improve diabetes self-management.