The effect of nutritional education and medical nutrition therapy on quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional habits of individuals with type 2 diabetes and to examine the effect of medical nutrition therapy on the anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and quality of life of individuals at the end of a 3 months follow-up. The study was conducted with the participation of a total of 32 individuals, 22 women and 10 men, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and aged between 19-72. The personal characteristics, nutritional habits and diabetes status of the individuals were questioned with a questionnaire before the study. In addition, anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings, 3 days food consumption record and quality of life scale of individuals before and after medical nutrition therapy were recorded in the questionnaire form. Changes between the first measurements and those 3 months later were compared. Individuals were interviewed face to face once a month and followed up. Statistical analysis of the study was made using the SPSS 21 package program. The data obtained through the food consumption record were analyzed using the Nutrition Information System Package Program. Before the study, the weight average of the individuals was 88,1±14,6 kg and the average BMI was 33,3±6,6 kg/m². After the study, the average weight of the individuals decreased to 81,4±13,6 kg and the average BMI to 32,6±12,9 kg/m². The decrease in the weight averages of the individuals and the change in the distribution of BMI according to the risk groups were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). After medical nutrition therapy, the waist, hip, waist/hip and body fat ratio of the individuals decreased statistically significantly (p<0.05). While the average HbA1c values of individuals before medical nutrition therapy was %6,7±1,1, it was determined that is decreased to %6,1±0,7 after medical nutrition therapy. The decrease in HbA1c was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). It was determined that fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride values of individuals decrease statistically significantly, and HDL value increased significantly (p<0.05). It was found that the individuals had a pre-study summary physical health score of 53,0±11,4, a summary mental health average score of 47,8±10,2 and a total quality of life mean score of 104,2±20,5. After the study, it was determined that the summary physical health score of the individuals was 56,8±10,2, the summary mental health average score was 51,5±9,4 and the total quality of life mean score was 110,9±18,2. The increase in the quality of life scores of individuals was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).