Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Health Attitude, Exercise, and Dietary Habits of People with Type 1 Diabetes: An Observational, Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), diet and exercise play a crucial role alongside insulin therapy. Despite their significance in glycemic control and overall diabetes management, there is a notable gap in the awareness and attention toward these aspects among individuals with T1D. Methods: This survey-based, cross-sectional study, conducted as the part of the Kesavadev Trust T1D Project Sweet Stars initiative, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding health attitudes, exercise habits, and dietary behaviors among children with T1D. The study utilized a prestructured questionnaire administered by diabetes educators and dietitians during a T1D education camp. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings of the survey. The categorical variables were presented as frequency (%), whereas continuous variables were summarized as mean (standard deviation) or median (Q1–Q3) based on the results of the Shapiro–Wilk’s normality test. SPSS software version 27 was used for all the analyses. Results: Of the 80 individuals approached, 75 responded, with the majority being male (58.7%). The median age was 13 years. Most participants were diagnosed with T1D between 2015 and 2020. Basal insulin usage predominantly comprised Innovator Glargine. Participants demonstrated good health attitudes and diet habits with the majority receiving diabetes education from doctors. While diet counseling was prevalent, access to dietitians was limited. Conclusion: Efforts are needed to raise the awareness and improve access to comprehensive care for individuals with T1D. Emphasizing the importance of ideal exercise and dietary practices through camps and education programs can bridge the knowledge gap. Health-care providers should prioritize T1D care and stay updated on T1D management strategies.