Nutritional Awareness Among Patients of Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in Pakistan but data on awareness of nutritional importance among diabetic patients is scarce. Type II diabetes is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar caused by a combination of insulin resistance, and relative insulin deficiency. It affects multiple systems in the body and can cause several complications. This study aims to assess nutritional awareness among diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 183 diabetic patients of mayo hospital, Lahore. Participants were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The data was collected through a structured close-ended questionnaire. The autonomy and confidentiality were assured through well-defined informed consent. Data analysis was done through SPSS-26 software. Results: Altogether 183 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 109(59.6%) males and 74(40.4%) females subjects. The greatest number of patients i.e. 56(30.6%) were in the age group of 55-64 years. Of the total subjects only 10(6%) were not on a special diet while 88(48%) were on a sugar-free diet and 85(46%) were on a cholesterol-free diet. Only 105(57%) participants think that brown sugar is a healthy alternative to white sugar while 27(15%) disagree and 37(28%) were not sure. The major percentage of the participants, 147(80.3%) agree that diet can help control complications of diabetes but 41(19.7%) were not aware of this concept. Conclusion: Necessary interventions such as nutrition education programs and awareness programs should be carried out to promote health, delay the onset of diabetes, and prevent diabetic complications in the future.