Shaimaa Mohamed Amin, Haitham Mokhtar Mohamed Abdallah, Mohamed Ali Zoromba, Esteer Ibrahim Ghayth, Sameer A. Alkubati, Nada Alqarawi, Mohamed Atta, Ibrahim Alasqah, Nesreen AbdelMonaem AbdelSataar AbouZeid, Sally Mohammed Farghaly Abdelaliem, Suebsarn Ruksakulpiwat
Introduction Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults is challenging, particularly when complicated by fear of hypoglycemia and frailty, both of which can undermine self-efficacy, a key determinant of effective disease control. Aim To examine the influence of fear of hypoglycemia and frailty on self-efficacy in diabetes management among older adults with T2DM. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at diabetic clinics, with 300 adults aged ≥ 60 years using convenience sampling. Validated tools included the Fear of Hypoglycemia Screener, Chinese Frailty Screening Scale, and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale. Results Mean scores for fear of hypoglycemia, frailty, and self-efficacy were 36.13 ± 7.70, 12.93 ± 2.28, and 19.95 ± 3.33, respectively. Fear of hypoglycemia correlated positively with frailty ( r = 0.277, p < 0.01) and negatively with self-efficacy ( r = −0.270, p < 0.01). Frailty also showed a moderate negative correlation with self-efficacy ( r = −0.454, p < 0.01). Regression analysis identified higher fear of hypoglycemia and frailty scores predicted lower self-efficacy ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Interventions addressing fear of hypoglycemia and frailty are essential to enhance self-efficacy and improve diabetes self-management in older adults.