Low Reported Adherence to the 2019 American Diabetes Association Nutrition Recommendations among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Indicating the Need for Improved Nutrition Education and Diet Care
Savvas Katsaridis,
Maria G. Grammatikopoulou,
Konstantinos Gkiouras,
Christos Tzimos,
Stefanos T. Papageorgiou,
Anastasia G. Markaki,
Triada Exiara,
Dimitrios G. Goulis,
Theodora Papamitsou
Affiliations
Savvas Katsaridis
Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Alexander Campus, International Hellenic University, Sindos, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Alexander Campus, International Hellenic University, Sindos, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
Konstantinos Gkiouras
Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Anastasia G. Markaki
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, PO Box 8556, Trypitos, GR-72300 Sitia, Greece
Triada Exiara
Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanoglio General Hospital, 45 Sismanogliou Str, GR-69133 Komotini, Greece
Dimitrios G. Goulis
Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
Theodora Papamitsou
Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Patient adherence to guidelines is important for improved outcomes and prognosis. Nevertheless, many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not comply with the recommendations regarding medication, physical activity, diet or self-care. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of adherence to the dietary recommendations issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) among patients with T2DM in Komotini, Greece. A total of 162 adults with T2DM (64.7 ± 10.6 years old), of which 41.4% were men, were recruited from the Sismanoglio Hospital and participated in the study. The level of adherence to individual recommendations issued by the ADA was assessed using yes/no questions. The overall adherence rate to the guidelines was low (41.2%). According to the multivariable analysis, age and medication therapy were identified as contributors to the compliance rate. No differences were noted in the total compliance rate between patients of different religious denominations (Muslims/Christians). Patients on oral antidiabetic agents (OAA) were more adherent compared with those on insulin therapy. A mere 3.7% of the participants had received nutrition education by a registered dietitian, 9.9% were following an individualized diet plan to improve glycemia, and 3.1% had set specific energy goals to reduce body weight. These findings are indicative of the need for the delivery of improved nutrition education.