FooDia-Net. A technology platform for nutrition education and active people involvement in the prevention of diabetes mellitus: results from the first field trial

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the world and, by its nature, it affects several disciplines. Patients often appear unaware and lacking an adequate lifestyle and appropriate nutritional education to prevent its aggravation. Consequently, it appears essential to promote educational initiatives aimed at helping patients diagnosed with type 2 DM to contain the disease progress. FooDia-Net is a project financed by the Ministry of Health which took place between 2017 and 2020 in 5 Italian regions, aimed at experimenting an innovative operating model of multiprofessional and cross-disciplinary management in the prevention of type 2 DM. Method: The FooDia-Net protocol was tested through a pilot project which enabled the evaluation food literacy levels and patient engagement through the administration of pre- and post-performance self-assessment questionnaires to evaluate the educational exercises proposed to the panel. Results: Out of 166 eligible patients, 38 completed the protocol (23%); results show a significant improvement in the levels of food literacy and, from the engagement point of view, despite not being significant statistically, good improvements were registered. Discussion and conclusion: Results were encouraging with regards to the multidisciplinary management of patients with type 2 diabetes. The FooDia-Net platform ensured continuity of care and emotional support for patients remotely.