Background
: The prevalence of DM has increased as a result of improved medical diagnostic technology, improvement of the quality of life, lengthened the life span. The basis in the treatment of DM is dietary management, exercise and medical treatment. And diabetics should control blood sugar continuously for their life. There are various DM management behaviors such as consulting a physician, self management, folk medicine, herb medicine, visiting drugstore in Korea. So, we investigated the management behaviors for DM in a rural area.

Methods : The study subjects were 899 diabetics in Kyungju county, who had proved in screening test for DM in the Kyungju Country Health Center from May, 1991 to Nov, 1991. The survey was carried out by direct interview by the health workers required and community nurse practitioners. Analysis of the data was done with 447 questionares which were available of the 485 questionares answered.

Results : 378(84.6%) diabetics tried for DM management and 69(15.4%) diabetics did not try. Management was used in 198 (52.4%) diabetics, combinations of 2 were 120(31.8%) patients, combinations of 3 were 50(13.2%) patients and combinations of 4 or more were 10(2.6%) patients. Just consulting a physician was most common(45.8%). In self management, dietary management was used in all and exercise was 13.3%, control of drinking was 6.1% and control of body weight was 10%, Contents of folk medicine were various. 259(83.1%) diabetics continued management and 51(16.9%) diabetics discontinued management.

Conclusion : Management behaviors for DM were various in a single or combinations of consulting a physician, self management, folk medicine, herb medicine and visiting a drugstore. And consulting a physician was most commonly used in a rural area.