Assessment of dietary knowledge, practices and control in type 2 diabetes in a Nigerian teaching hospital

In spite of the importance of diet in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetics are often unaware of its place in ensuring good glycaemic control. Consequently, compliance and adherence with dietary advice remain poor among diabetics. The standard of practice of dietary therapy for DM among physicians is also low. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the dietary knowledge, practices and control of type 2 DM in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals' Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

All 33 type 2 diabetes patients that attended the hospital over a three month period were studied to assess knowledge of DM, dietary practice and control. Percentage perceived, correct and accurate knowledge as well as practice were used for comparative analysis.

All 33 subjects had truncal obesity and needed to lose weight. This was moderately severe in 60% of subjects. About 52% received dietary advice. The latter had a significantly higher mean dietary knowledge score than those without dietary advice. Significantly higher mean knowledge scores seemed to be associated with better dietary practices and better glycaemic control. Overall, dietary practices improved significantly following diagnosis and counselling. A significant proportion of subjects increased their use of food with low glycaemic index (legumes 48.5%, cereals 90.9%) following diagnosis.

The findings further emphasize the importance of structured dietary advice and dietary control in Type 2 diabetes. In settings where dieticians are scarce, physicians managing diabetic patients must be skilled in the dietary management of the condition and show commitment to it.