Table 5 Results from the validation survey for the association between change in HbA_1c levels and change in frequency of short-terms symptoms

Excessive thirst

Significant association between change in the frequency of experiencing excessive thirst and change in HbA_1c (p < 0.0001).

Frequent urination (day and night)

Significant association between change in the frequency of experiencing frequent urination and change in HbA_1c (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0005 for day and night respectively)

Fatigue/extreme tiredness and tiredness and lack of energy

Significant association between change in the frequency of experiencing fatigue symptoms and change in HbA_1c (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0001 for tiredness/lack of energy and fatigue/extreme tiredness respectively).

Feeling scared when thinking about living with diabetes

Significant association between feeling scared…” and change in HbA_1c (p = 0.0328). The p value for the association between “feeling depressed…” and change in HbA_1c was p = 0.0557.

Feeling depressed when thinking about living with diabetes

Wishing to reduce HbA_1c

The higher the current HbA_1c level, the more the respondents wanted to reduce their HbA_1c level (p < 0.0001).