Self-Management Behaviours in Type 2 Diabetes Across Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: An Updated Narrative Review to Enhance Patient Care.

Background and

Objectives

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant public health problem across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations because of advancements in urbanization alongside behavioural lifestyle changes and genetic predispositions. Specific self-management methods are fundamental in T2DM management because they provide better glycaemic control and decrease complications. Achieving a synthesis of updated evidence about self-management strategies and patient perception within GCC nations represents the primary objective of this narrative review. Materials and

Methods

The studies included in the present review were retrieved from the Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Saudi Digital Library, and Embase. We included peer-reviewed studies that were published from January 2020 to March 2025. The selected studies measured the self-management practices of adult T2DM patients by examining medication adherence, dietary patterns, blood glucose monitoring, and treatment barriers.

Results

Research data indicate that patients demonstrate different levels of self-care management behaviours, where medication compliance is fair, but dietary patterns and physical activities remain areas of concern. High levels of knowledge deficits, cultural elements, and economic background substantially impact patients' self-management practices. Patients indicate their need for enhanced and personalized care, better connections with healthcare providers, and interventions that consider their cultural backgrounds.

Conclusions

Patients throughout the GCC region encounter ongoing difficulties that prevent them from performing their best at self-management, even though advanced healthcare facilities exist in this region. Therefore, it is critical to develop culturally sensitive patient-centered care, individualized educational programs, and adopt supportive digital solutions to enhance diabetes-related self-care management.