Effectiveness of and adherence to dietary and lifestyle counseling effect on metabolic control in type 2 diabetic Omani patients

The Nutritional Advice Protocol, established by the Department of Health to combat diabetes, has been implemented in primary health care throughout Oman since 2003. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle advice and determine the perception and attitudes of Omani adults with type 2 diabetes to diabetes management. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted on 98 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Al-Buraimi Governorate, Oman. Metabolic parameters, dietary intake and exercise levels were evaluated in 2005 and re-evaluated in 2008. A total of 43% of the patients [male = 16, female = 27] had received no formal education. A significant reduction in fasting glucose and enhanced high density lipoprotein cholesterol were achieved in both male and female patients. However, in men, no changes were noted, other than in anthropometric and metabolic measurements and macronutrient intake. Conversely, women's macronutrient intakes reduced significantly leading to considerable improvement in body weight, body mass index, blood glucose and total cholesterol levels. Eleven patients [11.6%] admitted that they did not adhere at all to the diet advised by the dietician; 63.2% [n = 62] reported they followed their diet sometimes, and 25.2% [n = 25] stated they strictly followed the diet. Counselling largely illiterate diabetic patients about the impact of food, nutrition and exercise on diabetes shifted the patients from [Poor] to [Good] control in terms of metabolic outcome [glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting glucose and total cholesterol]. This minor improvement could be further enhanced by more health education

Breastfeeding in Oman-the way forward

Child health programs in Oman are considered to be successful. Before 1970, the infant mortality rate was predictable to be 214 out of 1,000 live births declined to 25 by 1992, The significance of breastfeeding in the survival and health of the children was known by the health authorities and the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative [BFHI] was launched in the 1990's, The WHO and UNICEF embarked on a national certification of all hospitals in Oman and by 1999 all marked hospitals were thus certified. The aim of the following policy proposals is to enhance awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for the community and to propose measures to ensure breastfeeding is supported and thus made a practical option. It seems futile to increase the awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding if the information to ensure that it is a feasible option is not available. The policies were developed with the consideration of the complex barriers that exist regarding breastfeeding as well as recognition of social and cultural barriers. The following policies would combine to be a multifaceted approach and thus increase the potential success of increasing the prevalence of breastfeeding. This policy can apply at all levels: government, private institutions, community and public