A Comparison of the Diets Of Confirmed Type 2 Diabetic Subjects at the National Diabetes Management and Research Center, with Non diabetic Subjects

Abstract

A Comparison of the Diet of Confirmed Type 2 Diabetes Subjects at the National Diabetes Management and Research Center, with Non-Diabetic Subjects. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to compare the diet and nutritional status of diabetic subjects to non-diabetic subjects and to evaluate whether recommendations given as part of diettherapy for diabetics are being followed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was followed. One hundred and fifty one diabetic subjects were identified from the National Diabetic Management and Research Center, Korle-Bu. Non-diabetic subjects (n =140) were identified from staff of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Kaneshie Presbyterian Church and Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Korle-Bu. Dietary intake information was obtained by the administration of a Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric indicators (height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference) were measured for each subject. Fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure and pulse were determined. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratios (WHR) and Waist Circumference. RESULTS: The mean macronutrient, energy and dietary fiber intakes were comparable among diabetics and non-diabetics with no significant differences. Percent contribution of macronutrient especially total fat and carbohydrate to total energy intake among most diabetic subjects suggests that they are not following dietary recommendations. Diabetic subjects were significantly more obese based on BMI, WHR and Waist Circumference (p=0.03; p<0.01; p<0.01) respectively than non-diabetics. No correlations were found between dietary intake and nutritional status in both groups. Together, dietetic advice, waist circumference and pulse explained 41% of the variation in FPG levels. CONCLUSION: Appropriate dietetic advice needs to be given to diabetic patients to ensure effective management of the di