Present nutrient intake was determined by the food compositional analysis package known as SODA III analysis. Two at-risk micronutrients were used as markers of food intake quality, namely calcium and thiamin.
Calcium intake prior to diagnosis of diabetes by retrospective questionnaire.
Serum and red cell thiamin levels were measured. All patients had received nutrition education. The aim is a nutritionally adequate food intake, reduced in fat, with an emphasis on reduction in saturated fat 1,2 . Long term lifestyle changes are difficult to maintain and changes in food intake are no exception. Although a variety of approaches are used to encourage changes in eating habits in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes there is evidence that adherence to long term changes is poor 4,5 .