AWARENESS OF DIET CONTROL AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS IN LOCAL POPULATION OF PAKISTAN

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a complex disorder involving almost every system of the body causing a wide range of complications. Aims: Life style modifications along with dietary adjustments are the key features of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. The aim of the study is conducted to ascertain the level of awareness of balanced diet among type II diabetics. Methods: Descriptive study based on survey questionnaire for field sampling was implied to gather the information from 200 Type II diabetics taking oral hypoglycemics. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21. Results: The findings of the survey revealed

that most of the respondents had heard the term balanced diet early in their lives 144 (72.0%), while 56 (28.0%) had not heard it before. About 192(96.0%) participants agreed to the fact that it is healthy to comply to a balanced diet plan on regular basis. Most of them 185(92.5%) knew the value to include whole grain cereals and roughage in their diet chart. About participants 149(74.5%) were aware of the natural and artificial sources of carbohydrates and 51(25.5%) of them were not aware of their origin.

Discussion: Although majority of the participants 144 (72.0%) have heard about balanced diet, there are still a few of them who have do not follow diet plan frequently at home [5]. According to Juma Al-Kaabi et al (2008), consuming healthy food is a key component for managing diabetes mellitus especially type II, which occurs predominantly due to insulin resistance, and preventing the serious complication. The

aim of dietary modifications is to restore quality of life, caloric management, and preventing long standing hazardous outcomes. [6]. According to a study conducted by Reveilles A A (2007) in Italy concluded that compliance to a comprehensive diet plan is not merely the tuning of dietary components but also the interpretation of the importance of balanced diet. [7]

Conclusion: Health education programmed focused on the nutritional support, dietary allowances and recommended caloric intake can pave the way for a long term optimized glycemic control and decelerate the involvement of systemic complications.