Food attitude among pregnant women with type 2 diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic hyperglycemic condition attributed to defective insulin secretion, action, or both. Pregnant women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) should adopt positive food attitudes to help them control their diet and glucose levels, thus avoiding serious complications that can affect both the pregnant women and their infants. The current study aims to assess food attitudes among pregnant women with type 2 DM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia during 2022, targeting all pregnant women with type 2 DM. The sample size was 243, with a margin of error determined as 5% and a confidence level of 95%. Data were collected using an electronic Google Form questionnaire initiated by the study researchers with the help of field experts. Results: Data analysis revealed that there were 243 pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. The participants\' average weight was 74.7 kg (±20.77), while the average age of the women was 39.08 (±9.96). More than 50% of study participants correctly answered at least nine questions (out of a total of 11 questions, with bold percentages indicating adequate food awareness). Participants who had previously experienced pregnancy difficulties demonstrated sufficient awareness, which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.03) when compared to other independent variables. Conclusion: Although more than half of the pregnant females demonstrated good dietary awareness about diabetes, no statistical significance could be established. The results of this study are not consistently in line with published studies. Social campaigns and programs to increase awareness and education among pregnant women with T2DM are advisable to reduce complications for both the mother and child.