RESUMO
Thirty Type II diabetic patients attending a clinic at a rural hospital were interviewed, using structured interviews and clinic records. The patients' clinic cards were also used to obtain the required information. The study was conducted to identify the factors that lead to non compliance with the recommended treatment regimen, to establish whether diabetic patients are able to keep appointments and to identify factors that influence patients from keeping appointments. Factors that led to non compliance were financial problems and forgetfulness. Most clients were unemployed while others were pensioners and could not afford the expensive means of transport to the clinic. Additional issues were rough terrain and roads which depended on good weather. The most common complication found in the study was hypertension, which when combined with minor ailments, led to clients taking multiple medications.