Nutrition Education in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract
Much research has been done concerning the effectiveness of self-management for diabetic patients. In comparison, information on how effective education techniques are in improving self-management of non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients is limited. This study tested the relationship between knowledge of self-care techniques and health status in individuals with NIDDM. The basis of the study was a three-part survey used to gain information on sources of self-care education, level of knowledge, and various elements of health status. The subject group consisted of 37 men and women with NIDDM who had a median age of 55. The scores for health status and knowledge were compared as were the scores for the patient activity index and knowledge. Data also was compiled on sources of self-care information, willingness to learn, and self-evaluation of personal understanding of diabetes management. Analysis of data was performed using simple and polynomial linear regression. Results indicated that the most significant correlation (p<0.0001) was between the total score on diabetes knowledge and the participant's activity index (R^2=0.517) . Similarly, the relationship between total knowledge score and health status showed another strong correlation (R^2=0.0476). While self-evaluation of level of understanding of diabetes care did not accurately predict actual understanding, all participants reported a willingness to learn more about diabetes. This study indicates that the ability to provide effective self-management may be directly related to improved quality of life for patients with diabetes mellitus.
Description
Program year: 1993/1994Digitized from print original stored in HDR
Citation
Bluntzer, Amy Christine (1994). Nutrition Education in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. University Undergraduate Fellow. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /CAPSTONE -BluntzerA _1994.