Dietary calcium intake was closely related to intake of fats, especially satu-rated fats. This suggests that patients were reducing intakes of full cream dairy products in an attempt to reduce fat intake, without substituting low fat equivalents to maintain calcium intake. Thiamin intake was at an acceptable level consistent with an adequate intake of high fibre foods and was not related to reduced blood levels of thiamin. This is consistent with some similar studies but conflicts with others 9-12 . The results do not indicate any dietary deficiency of thiamin.
Nutrition education is a complex area with many factors influencing eating patterns.
Knowledge, motivation and support are all crucial issues in maintaining new healthy eating patterns. Increased knowledge does not always mean long term changes in food intake 22 . The results of this study highlighted the problem of increased knowledge failing to result in permanent healthy lifestyle changes. People with diabetes appear to understand most of the information given, but find incorporating other alternatives into their diet and maintaining these changes difficult in the long term. People with non insulin dependent diabetes are an older group with a well established eating pattern.