Is diabetes all about sugars? Perception of community – A pilot study

Abstract

Background: A major chronic health concern that affects the majority of people globally is diabetes mellitus (DM). The goal of diabetic dietary knowledge (DDK) and dietary restrictions is to improve quality of life and avoid further diseases that occur as a result of diabetes. Aim and Objective: This study was designed to study the effect of DDK in DM patients at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital in Chromepet, Chennai, using questionnaires about a healthy diet. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 persons were selected randomly in which 58% of them were men and 42% were women. The majority of the patients ranged from 50 to 60 years. They were questioned about their dietary habits, adherence to the restrictions, and glycemic control. Results: The finding that 102 (68%) individuals had type II diabetes indicates a high prevalence of DM. 100% of the patients were aware that vegetables are beneficial, and 71 (69%) identified sprouts as a healthy food. Sugar-free meals and salty biscuits/crackers were chosen by 66 (64.7%) and 64 (62.7%), respectively. 50 (49%) of patients admitted honey is dangerous for diabetics and should be avoided. Only 35 patients (34%) actually adhered to the meal restrictions, whereas 67 patients (65%) claimed not to. When patient case records were evaluated to see how well their diabetes was handled, it was determined that only 49 (48%) of the patients had diabetes under control and 53 (52%) had it out of control. Conclusion: There was no evident association between DDK and glycemic control. It is entirely dependent on adhering to dietary restrictions, which can only be accomplished by self-motivation. It is critical to incorporate nutrition into prescriptions through counseling and specialist therapy.