Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship of self-effcacy and demographic characteristics with blood glucose control in older patients with diabetes type II who referred to an endocrinology clinic in the northwest of Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sampling method through which the patients were divided into controlled and uncontrolled groups. A total of 290 eligible volunteers participated in the research during November-March 2016. The Diabetes Management Self-effcacy Scale and demographic information form were completed by face-to-face interviews. Based on the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, the patients were assigned to controlled (HbA1c<7) and uncontrolled (HbA1c>7) groups. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The results showed a signifcant difference between the 2 groups regarding the mean self-effcacy scores after adjusting for the blood glucose control confounding variables (P≤0.05). Moreover, all the dimensions of participants’ self-effcacy scores had signifcant relationships with the glycosylated hemoglobin level (P≤0.05). In terms of personal details, variables including the time since diagnosis of diabetes, education, and economic status had signifcant relationships with blood glucose control as well (P≤0.05).

Conclusions: In general, the economic status, education, and time since diagnosis of diabetes affected diabetes control. Thus, performing interventions to improve the self-effcacy and well-being of these patients can improve their self-care and blood glucose control.