Effects of Nutrition Counseling on Diabetes Management in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nutrition counseling on diabetes management by determining changes in anthropometry and blood components as well as knowledge and practice of diet therapy and nutrient intake in 34 (male 11, female 23) type 2 diabetes patients. The knowledge and the practice of diet therapy, drinking, smoking and exercise were analyzed by questionnaires. Dietary nutrient intake were obtained from the patients by the 1 day 24-hr recall. Blood glucose level and blood pressure were measured before and 3 months after the treatment. The results are summarized as follows Average weight (p <0.05) and body mass index (p <0.05) were significantly lower post-counseling. Fasting blood glucose levels (p <0.01) and postprandial-2hour blood glucose levels (p <0.01) were also significantly lower post-counseling. In lifestyle changes for self-management the patients showed significantly higher exercise habits post-counseling (p <0.01). Regarding their level of diet knowledge, they showed significantly higher levels post-counseling in six items such as importance of diet therapy for diabetes (p <0.001), principles of diet therapy (p <0.001), nutrient composition of foods (p <0.01), carbohydrate composition of foods (p <0.001), the prescribed calories (p <0.001) understanding food item and exchange units of cereals, grains (p <0.001) and fruits, juices (p <0.001). Regarding their diet practices, the patients showed significantly higher levels of practice post-counseling in keeping within permitted meal size (p <0.001), using food exchange lists (p <0.001), keeping exact meal times (p <0.01), and controling sweet foods (p <0.001). Protein (p <0.05), animal lipid (p <0.05), and vitamin C (p <0.05) intakes were significantly higher post-counseling.