Dietary habits among type 2 diabetic patients in Erbil City

Abstract

Background and objectives: Dietary modification is the cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the dietary behavior of type 2 diabetic patients, along its association with glycemic control and sociodemographic factors and their perceived obstacles to follow diabetic dietary regimens. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from December 2017 to December 2018. In this study, 344 type 2 diabetic patients, who were attending Leila Qasim Center for diabetes care, were recruited. Patients who were ?18 years and diagnosed at least for one year were enrolled. Data were collected through direct interview based on the questionnaire. Dietary behavior was assessed through modified UK Diabetes and Diet Question- naire. Results: Out of all enrolled patients, 85.5% of them had unsatisfactory dietary habits. Adherence to whole grain and fish consumption were 2.9% and 5.5%, respectively, which had the lowest rate of dietary adherence. Only 24.4% of patients had their glycosylated hemoglobin level below 7%. Statistically significant association was found between dietary habits and glycemic control. Females tend to have more dietary adherence than males (16% vs 12.3%); how- ever, there was no statistically significant association between gender and age with dietary habits. Lack of palatability was perceived as the main barrier for dietary adherence by the patients. Conclusions: Type 2 diabetic patients had low adherence to the recommended diet. The educational level and source of dietary advice were significantly associated with adherence. The dietary adherence of the patients was inversely associated with their glycosylated hemoglobin.