Individualized nutrition therapy - role in improving eating habits in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Individualized Nutrition Therapy (NT) is a key factor in DM 2 control. Changing eating habits is a slow process in terms of adaptation and maintenance that requires ongoing patient support. Objective: This retrospective study aims
to evaluate the role of individualized NT and adherence to NT in adults with type 2 DM referred to a Primary Health Care Nutrition Consultation (ACeS Porto Ocidental). Material and Methods: This study was submitted to the Ethics Committee of ARS Norte-IP. The rules of conduct set out in the Helsinki Declaration and current national law have been respected and
the confidentiality of personal information collected is guaranteed. Sociodemographic data and food history (number of meals / day, number of fruit portions / day, frequency of soup and vegetable intake, water and alcohol intake) were
collected from 75 users followed at the Nutrition Consultation, evaluated at 3, 6 ,9, 12, 24 and 36 months. The information collected was analyzed according to the usual descriptive methodology. Regarding continuous variables, their mean and standard deviation were determined. Subsequently, the Wilcoxon test was applied. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all eating habits 3 months after the start of the study. Significant improvements were also found in the increase of the number of meals, daily fruit and soup intake when compared the baseline data with the data at the end of the study (after 3 years). Conclusions: Eating habits improved after 3 months of NT, therefore a positive adherence turns out, so individualized NT is crucial in changing eating habits in adults with this condition.