PSUN225 Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and its Relationship with Metabolic Control in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Pineyro Maria , Fagundez Virgina , Garcia Xiomara , Pontillo Rosina , Savio Laura 
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is central in the overall diabetes management plan, with absolute decreases in HbA1c of up to 2.0% (in type 2 diabetes) and up to 1.9% (in type 1 diabetes) at 3–6 months. Continuing MNT support is helpful in maintaining glycemic improvements. We evaluated nutritional knowledge level about diabetes and its relation to metabolic control in 50 adult diabetic patients hospitalized in the medical-surgical area in our Hospital.

Materials and methods

We conducted a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study from October to November 2020. We performed a validated structured survey that consists of 13 true or false questions about nutritional diabetes knowledge. In addition, patients were asked about the role of the nutritionist in the care of diabetic patients. Also, medical charts were reviewed.

Results

The mean age was 66 years (range 33-88), mostly males (62%). Sixty-percent of patients were older adults. Only one female patient had type-1 diabetes, the rest had type 2. Mean diabetes duration was 11±10 years. Fifty-six percent of patients had poor metabolic control. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin was 8,6%. The mean body mass index was 32,1Kg/m2. Ninety-two point nine percent of adults and 68,0% of elderly patients were overweight or obese. Sixty-four percent of patients had an appointment with nutritionist. Half of them considered having fulfilled the nutritional treatment. In regard to the survey the average number of correct answers was 8 questions (61,5%). Sufficient diabetic nutritional knowledge (≥70% of the correct answers) was recorded in 30,0% of patients, regular (between 51% and 69% of the correct answers) in 56,0% and insufficient (≤50% of the correct answers) in 14,0%. There was scant knowledge about vegetables and fruits in relation with diabetes. Those with high level of education did not display more knowledge. There was no association between level of knowledge and metabolic control. Eighty percent of those who showed sufficient knowledge had poor metabolic control, compared to 33.3% of those with insufficient knowledge. Of 32 patients that had a nutritionist appointment only 2 had insufficient knowledge and more than 90% had more than 50% of correct answers. In contrast, 71,4% of those without a nutritionist appointment showed insufficient knowledge.

Conclusions

The diabetic inpatients that had an appointment with nutritionist had regular and sufficient knowledge, compared to most of those without this appointment that showed insufficient knowledge. However, the overall awareness about fruits and vegetables was poor. Although most of the surveyed patients did not show insufficient knowledge, they were overweight or obese and had poor metabolic control. We believe the nutritionist is an essential part of the interdisciplinary team. More studies are warranted to evaluate nutrition knowledge in diabetic patients to plan educational strategies in this population.

Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.