engleski

The importance of education on diet and quality of life of type 2 diabetic patients

Background: Type 2 diabetes (DMT2) is a major health problem of the 21st century. The progressive nature of hyperglycaemia, the main feature of DMT2 contributes to vascular damage inducing high risk of micro-and macrovascular complications. Standard medical care asks for a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach that includes medications and education on diet and regular physical activity. Aim was to determine how many DMT2 patients received education, adherence to the recommended diet, and whether education correlates with the level of DMT2 control, and quality of life. Methods: Randomized observational cross- sectional study included DMT2 patients, ≥45 years from Baranja region, Eastern Croatia, who completed the anonymous, study-specific questionnaire. Results: Eighty seven adults diagnosed with DMT2, average age 68.0 ± 9.4 years (46.0% males), living in rural areas (92.0%) and retired (77.0%) completed the questionnaire. Study participants had low level of self- control (81.8% according to blood glucose criteria), 81.6% have increased body mass index, 65.6% have acute and 54.0% chronic complications. Dietary recommendations are not followed by the majority (59.8%), but 78.2% participants said they have interest in additional diet education. Participants who were educated have better quality diet (p=0.009), better social life (p<0.001) and better psychophysical state (p=0.004), with better subjective impress of the overall quality of life. Conclusions: The results show clear positive influence of education on diet and quality of life of DMT2 patients. Continuous education is needed, and for elderly, retired, from rural areas pharmacies should be considered as educational centres.

type 2 diabetes ; education ; diet quality ; life quality

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