Diabetic safe care practices and nutrient intake of the diabetic patients attending clinic at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the diabetic self-care practices and nutrient intake of the diabetic patients attending clinic at Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, Imo State. A well-structured, validated and pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain information on the demographic, socio-economic, nutrient intake and the diabetic safe care activities of the subjects .Glucometer was used to measure blood glucose level. The food portion sizes as well as the serving sizes of foods consumed by the subjects were determine in a 3 day weighed food intake. Data were analyzed and compared with standard. Results were presented in tables and charts. The results showed that the sample consisted of 43.5% males and 56.5% females with 25% of the participants under 50 years of age. Approximately 31% were overweight, while 29% were obese and a significant proportion (77%) had high blood pressure. The study also revealed that the diabetic self-care management education was poor as majority of the patients failed in some of the important domains such as exercising, hospital visit, eye and feet examination as well as dietary management. The analysis of nutrient intake revealed high consumption of fiber, vitamin C, iron, protein, and sodium, while energy, calcium, and niacin intake were low. The study also found a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, a known risk factor for diabetes and hypertension among diabetic patients. Additionally, low carbohydrate intake, high protein consumption, and physical inactivity were observed. Therefore, we recommend that the government and healthcare stakeholders provide intensive and comprehensive diabetes care management education in hospitals to equip patients with safe care management skills, ultimately reducing the complications of diabetes mellitus.