An evaluation of knowledge and attitudes to nutrition in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients receiving hemodialysis

Background/aim: In chronically ill patients, there are progressive and irreversible changes in bodily function. This has a negative effect on the quality of life. One of these diseases is kidney disease related to diabetes, diabetic nephropathy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes to nutrition of type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Methods: The research was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study in the Dialysis Unit of the Diwaniyah Hospital in Iraq. Quantitative research was used in the design of the study. 30 type 1 and 30 type 2 DM patients who agreed to participate were taken into the study without any sample selection process. The patients were asked questions on their sociodemographic characteristics to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes on nutrition. Data collection was by the face to face questioning technique. Evaluation was performed with the use of percentages, chi-square, and independent t-test. Results: In type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, statistical significance was found in age, marital status, income status and primary kidney disease in those who took snacks and in those who used a number of methods to quench their thirst (p<0.05). Significance was found between type 1 and type 2 DM patients, between weight before and after dialysis, and between systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after dialysis (p<0.05). Also, statistical significance was found between HbA1c and blood sugar levels in these patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: In dialysis patients with type 1 or type 2 DM, Hb1Ac and glucose levels are high, and diabetes management was inadequate, and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, marital status, economic level, the presence of kidney disease in the family, BMI and snacking had an effect on diabetes management. It is recommended that new experimental nursing planning and the implementation of interventions be carried out focused on solving problems in strengthening diabetes self-management through individualized training, monitoring and counselling for patients. Keywords: Diabetes, kidney disease, nutrition, nursing method.