Effect of nutrition education on metabolic control of subjects with type 1 diabetes

Medical-nutritional management can reduce the risk of progression of complications. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutrition education on metabolic control of patients with type 1 diabetes in Aligoodarz in year 2001. Methods and Materials: Firstly, Patients with type 1 diabetes were traced and recruited from medical centers. Then the study was performed with a semi experimental (self-control) design. Anthropometric measurements, diet survey and KAP study were conducted on patients with type 1 diabetes by a nutritionist. Biochemical indices were measured on blood and urine samples. The comparisons were made by paired t-test and MacNemar test. P values less than 0.05 were considered as significant. In total, for 30 patients FBS (239.84 ±12.61 vs 183.74±91.02) and TC (224.23±60.86 vs 163.86±34.08) decreased significantly (p<0.001). Also HbA1c%, LDL-C, and 24 hr urinary protein (for all p<0.001) and serum creatinine (p<0.008) decreased significantly. Cholesterol intake decreased (p<0.01) and dietary fibre, vitamin C and folate increased significantly (for all p<0.001). Both Knowledge and Practice scores increased significantly (for both p<0.001), while Attitude was not significantly changed. Findings of this project highlights the importance of nutrition education of patients with type 1 diabetes for better metabolic control. Thus setting up a diabetes unit in cities like Aligoodarz is recommended, to register patients and monitor their metabolic control regularly.