Introduction

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease which has to be managed by altering lifestyle practices. Management of T2DM is complex with the involvement of various factors like self efficacy and social support which influence the quality of life.

Methods and materials

A study was done to find out the relationship between social support received by T2DM patients and their self efficacy. 30 samples who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen by convenient sampling, questionnaire on self–efficacy – Diabetic Management Self Efficacy Scale (DMSES) and social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social support) administered to them after the informed consent. The scores of both tools were analyzed to determine the association and correlation.

Results

The mean DMSES scores show that 90% of the patients were self–efficient with a mean of 68.8 and a SD of 6.15. About 97% of type 2 diabetic patients had good social support with a mean of 55.9 and a SD of 5.88. There was no association between the demographic variables and clinical variables with self–efficacy and social support. A high correlation was found between social support and self–efficacy (r = 0.61, p< 0.001).

Conclusion

Nurses have a major role in helping significant others to understand the importance of social support among T2DM patients. This will improve the self efficacy of the patient leading to reduction in blood glucose values and improved quality of life.