The effects of nutrition education and frequency on metabolic parameters, antropometric measurements and nutritional habits in obese type 2 diabetic patients

ABSTRACT It was shown that chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus may be prevented or delayed by improved glycemic and lipid control. Adaptation of Type 2 diabetic patients to medical nutrition treatment affecting these parameters, is generally weak. Adaptation to diet can be improved with giving personal or group nutrition education to these patients. In this study affects of personal nutrition education given to obese Type 2 diabetic patients on anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings and nutritional information level were aimed to be considered. 30 obese Type 2 Diabetic patients not taking diabetes education before were enrolled to the study. Patients were randomly categorized as 3 groups with 10 persons. 3 groups were educated respectively; once a week, once a half month, once a month. Each patients were applied information test; and anthropometric measurements, glycemic control and lipid parameters were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the third months. As a result, personal nutrition education was effective in decreasing body weigt, BYO (body fat measure), blood glucose, HbAlc, total cholesterol level and increasing nutritional information level in each 3 groups (p<0,05). But different frequencies of educations were seen that they don't have superiority to each other. This study has shown the positive effects of nutritional educating Type 2 diabetic patients, on metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, nutritional information level. And it has shown that the once a month frequency of education is enough. Key Words: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, nutrition education, education frequency, metabolic control