Evaluation of nutritional status of patients with diabetes in Iraq

For the treatment of diabetes, blood sugar must be controlled. Proper nutrition is important for blood sugar control in the treatment of diabetes. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of adults. The sample of the study, which was conducted in a cross-sectional and descriptive design, consisted of 260 diabetic patients. Sociodemographic information form and mini nutritional scale were used in the study. Data were evaluated using SPSS version 25, number, percentage, means, descriptive statistical methods, chi-square test, normality test, Mann Whitney U Test. The Cronbach Alpha value was 62.1%. The age group with the highest number of participants is between 55-65 years old with 44.4%. In the study, men were 50.4%; married 87.7%; high school graduates 40.8%; 31.5% of those who do not work in any job; those whose income is equal to their expenses 48.8%; city dwellers 53%; those with health insurance 73.5%; Those who had diabetes for 4-5 years were found to be 32%. In the study, it was determined that all patients aged 76 years and older had a risk of malnutrition. In the sample, 45.1% of men, 39% of married patients, 51% of those with a body weight of 76-85 kilograms, 37.5% of those whose income is less than expenditure, 13% of those who have children, 57% of those who live in a village/town for a long time, It was determined that the risk of malnutrition was 72.5% in those who did not have health insurance, and 72.3% in those who had diabetes for 4-5 years. There was no difference in the relationship between the education level and working status of the participants with nutrition. Body mass index (BMI) differs according to gender (p=0.01). It is important to evaluate patients with diabetes in terms of nutrition. For this, screening should be done, early diagnosis should be detected and early treatment should be started. Patients with diabetes should be educated about nutrition and its relationship with diabetes. It is recommended that the study be performed in a larger population.