THE ROLE OF NUTRITION EDUCATION ON IMPROVING DIETARY HABITS AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Effective management of diabetes requires attention to dietary habits and metabolic parameters. This randomized controlled trial investigates the impact of nutrition education on improving dietary habits and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes.

Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with diabetes were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received nutrition education sessions, while Group B received standard care. The intervention group attended interactive nutrition education sessions focusing on meal planning, portion control, carbohydrate counting, and label reading. Both groups underwent baseline and post-intervention assessments, including dietary assessments, blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and lipid profiles.

Results: After the intervention, Group A exhibited significant improvements in dietary habits, including increased consumption of vegetables (+0.9 servings/day, p < 0.05) and reduced intake of sugary snacks (-1.2 servings/week, p < 0.05). Group B showed modest changes in dietary habits. In terms of metabolic parameters, Group A demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c (-0.8%, p < 0.05) and LDL cholesterol (-12 mg/dL, p < 0.05), while Group B exhibited smaller reductions in HbA1c and LDL cholesterol. Blood glucose levels and HDL cholesterol remained relatively stable in both groups.

Conclusion: Nutrition education plays a vital role in improving dietary habits and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes. Interactive education sessions targeting meal planning and label reading yielded favorable outcomes, leading to reduced HbA1c and LDL cholesterol levels.