ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND MICROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with high risk of microvascular complications. While diabetes self-management education (DSME) has been shown to improve glycemic outcomes, its specific role in preventing complications among T1D patients remains underexplored in Pakistan. Objective: To assess the relationship between DSME and microvascular complication control in T1D patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study of 900 participants with T1D was conducted in tertiary hospitals and diabetes clinics. Demographic, clinical, and DSME exposure data were collected. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results: DSME participants showed significantly lower HbA1c, fewer microvascular complications, and better adherence behaviors compared with non-DSME participants. Logistic regression confirmed DSME, frequent glucose monitoring, and insulin adherence as independent predictors of reduced complication risk. Conclusion: Structured DSME significantly improved glycemic control and reduced microvascular complications in Pakistani T1D patients. Scaling up DSME programs may mitigate preventable complications and optimize T1D management in low-resource settings.