Publication:

Dietary practices in type 2 diabetes patients at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: a cross-sectional study

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing health problem in India. Diet and physical activity are important modifiable risk factors affecting the incidence, severity and management of DM. The aim of the study was to assess diet of diabetes mellitus patients. 87 adults from a cohort of diabetic patients attending the Medical Clinics at the Hamidia Hospital Bhopal were invited for the study.

Methods Information about their nutritional status & food consumption pattern was taken by 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi Info and MS Excel. Frequency counts and percentages were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the participants while the significance difference in between male and female participants. The significance level was set at P <0.05 and 0.01. Statistical analysis used:  MS Excel and Epi Info.

Results The study sample was 87 out of which 56 were females and 31 were males; mean age of DM patients was 48.21±12.98.The mean energy intake was 1386.52 kcal and 1125.79 kcal among male and female. The mean protein intake was 68.71 g and 50.50 among male and female diabetics. There was significant difference between male and female age. There were no significant difference in body mass index and waist hip ratio between male and female. 30 (34.5%) & 16 (18.4%) were overweight and obese respectively.

Conclusions Based on these findings, the dietary practices of diabetic patients are inadequate and require improvement. Education and counselling about diet of a diabetes patient is needed.