KNOWLEDGE OF NURSES REGARDING NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES AT MAYO HOSPITAL LAHORE

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder having systemic involvement and manifestations resulting in crippling complications. Modifying personal life style with reviewing eating habits are the integral parts of  managing diabetes promptly. The aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge about the role of nutritional management in diabetics among nurses of Mayo Hospital Lahore. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 120 nurses working in different departments of Mayo Hospital Lahore. A self structured survey questionairre was used to record the responses from the participants. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21. Results: The findings of the study revealed that most of the respondents had heard the term balanced diet early in their lives 96 (82.0%), while 24 (18.0%) had not heard it before. About 114 (95.0%) participants agreed to the fact that it is healthy to comply to a balanced diet plan on regular basis. Most of them 114 (95.0%) knew the value to include whole grain cereals and roughage in their diet chart. About participants 90 (75.0%) were aware of the natural and artificial sources of carbohydrates and 36 (30.%) of them were not aware of their origin. Discussion: Although majority of the participants 96 (82.0%) have heard about balanced diet, there are still a few of them who do not follow diet plant themselves frequently at home [5]. According to Juma Al-Kaabi et al (2008), consuming healthy food is a major component for managing all forms of diabetes mellitus, occuring either due to the lack of production 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 Rivellese 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: Public awareness regarding general and preventive health is the cornerstone of treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Education programmes focused on the treatment through food, dietary allowances and recommended caloric intake can provide for a platform for long term desired diabetic control and bridle the involvement of systemic complications.