Effects of Nutrition Education on the Food Consumption Behavior Modification and Hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes of Chao Ai Rong Hospital

Abstract

To control blood sugar levels, most patients with type 2 diabetes of Chao Ai Rong Hospital were treated with drugs. However, the patient is still unable to maintain a normal blood glucose level. Therefore, this quasi - experimental research aimed to study effects of nutrition education on the behavior modification and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes of Chao Ai Rong Hospital. Fourteen of uncontrolled diabetes patients were recruited. The personal information, diabetes knowledge, attitudes and self-care behaviors were collected using questionnaires. The pre-test and post-test were performed before and after the nutrition education. The nutrition education, food exchange list, energy intake, carbohydrate counting, nutrition facts label, plate method, low glycemic index and high fiber foods, were explained. The individual meal plans were designed by dietitian. Additionally, the daily food record book were provided. The follow up was performed after educating for every 2 week by phone call and for every 1 month by meeting. The altering of self-care behaviors, hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood sugar and body mass index were recorded and analyzed.  The results demonstrated that patients had a great knowledge (86.0%) and attitude (92.85%). The HbA1C of type 2 diabetes patients were significantly improved from 11.23 ± 2.28 % to 9.63 ±3.20 % and decreased from 227.84 ±103.18 mg/dl to 158.46 ±50.21 mg/dl for fasting blood sugar and 26.01 ±4.92 kg/m2 to 25.90 ±5.20 kg/m2 for body mass index. In summary, the nutrition education trend to modify the consumption behavior and reduce the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in type 2 diabetic patients.