Dietary habits and practices of type-2 diabetic patients in a tertiary care centre of Islamabad, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the relation between food intake and diabetes control.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Medicine and Endocrinology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 2016 to February 2017, during which type-2 diabetes patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Demographics, intake of high glycaemic index foods consumed in each food group, and general dietary practices were assessed by means of number of meals per day and adherence to the dietary plan. Glycated haemoglobin A1c values were recorded as well. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis.

Results: Of the 180 patients, 100(55.6%) were taking three meals a day. Besides, 108(60%) had an income >Rs50,000. Moreover, 127(70.6%) patients were not aware of the type of diabetes, while 117(65%) patients had high glycated haemoglobin levels. Furthermore, 148(82.2%) made a change in diet following diabetes diagnosis, while 168(93.3%) had recommended food available in their house, and 65(36.1%) followed a strictly-recommended dietary schedule. A statistically significant association was found between the consumption of different desserts/sweets and glycated haemoglobin levels (p=0.008) followed by fruit intake like mangoes (p=0.004) and grapes (p=0.02).

Conclusions: There is a need to educate diabetics regarding diet management in terms of glycaemic index of foods.