An evaluation of the knowledge levels, approaches, attitudes and consumption status of functional foods among adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge levels, attitudes, and approaches of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes toward functional foods, their consumption status, and related variables. In addition, the relationship between individuals' attitudes and consumption frequency regarding functional foods and their diabetes self-efficacy levels was also investigated. The research was designed as a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, and was carried out between 2024 and 2025 with 110 adult individuals (53 women, 57 men) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who applied to the endocrinology and metabolism diseases outpatient clinic of a private hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a sociodemographic information form, the Functional Food Attitude Scale (FFAS), the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale (DSES), and food and functional food frequency questionnaires. Additionally, participants' daily intake of energy, macro- and micronutrients, and functional components were evaluated. Anthropometric (body weight, waist circumference, neck circumference etc.) and biochemical (HbA1c, fasting and postprandial blood glucose) data were also analyzed. According to the research findings, the mean age of the participants was 62.66±12.26 years; the BMI was calculated as 31.06±5.70 kg/m² in women and 30.80±4.50 kg/m² in men. The participants' mean total DSES score was 52.82±10.47. Based on the analysis, among male participants, consumption of garlic (r=–0.312, p<0.05), cabbage (r=0.272, p<0.05), apple (r=0.291, p<0.05), and probiotic foods (r=0.283, p<0.05) was examined in relation to DSES scores. It was found that, except for garlic, higher consumption of these foods was associated with higher DSES scores. Among women, increased consumption of blueberry (r=0.322, p<0.05), black seed (Nigella sativa) (r=0.372, p<0.05), and probiotic foods (r=0.301, p<0.05) was positively correlated with DSES scores. The mean FFAS score of the participants was 76.68±4.90. Among male participants, an inverse correlation was found between BMI and FFAS scores (r=–0.288, p<0.05). In men, higher FFAS scores were associated with greater consumption of broccoli (r=0.366, p<0.05), raspberry (r=0.302, p<0.05), apple (r=0.287, p<0.05), chia seeds (r=0.296, p<0.05), and nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts) (r=0.409, p<0.05). In women, increased consumption of broccoli (r=0.343, p<0.05), apple (r=0.387, p<0.05), turmeric (r=0.341, p<0.05), and apple cider vinegar (r=0.265, p<0.05) was significantly associated with higher FFAS scores. Among male participants, higher FFAS scores were also associated with greater intake of vitamin A (r=0.310, p<0.05), vitamin C (r=0.395, p<0.05), vitamin B1 (r=0.351, p<0.05), vitamin B6 (r=0.283, p<0.05), total folate (r=0.406, p<0.05), magnesium (r=0.377, p<0.05), phosphorus (r=0.290, p<0.05), iron (r=0.286, p<0.05), and carotene (r=0.333, p<0.05). Among female participants, a positive correlation was found between FFAS scores and vitamin E intake (r=0.294, p<0.05). Furthermore, the "Perceived Benefit" (β=0.582; t=2.124; p<0.05) and "Perceived Necessity" (β=0.969; t=2.623; p<0.05) subscales of the FFAS were found to significantly predict total DSES scores. An increase in these subscale scores was associated with an increase in diabetes self-efficacy. As a result, in this study, positive relationships were found between the consumption of functional and probiotic foods and diabetes self-efficacy, and it is recommended to add functional and probiotic foods to the dietary treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes. In this way, it is expected that individuals' diabetes management will be facilitated and their general health status will be positively affected.