Assessment of Nutritional Status and Dietary Counselling of Diabetic Patients belonging to Palampur region of Kangra District Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was planned and executed with the specific objectives to assess the nutritional status and to counsel the diabetic patients belonging to Palampur region of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Keeping in view the objectives of the study, 130 subjects with diagnosed diabetes were selected for the study, whereas 100 subjects were screened to assess the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, pre diabetes (both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance), undiagnosed diabetes and normal glucose tolerance in Palampur region. Out of total 130 selected diabetic patients, majority were males. The nutrient intake of diabetic patients was lower than RDA. Nutrition education regarding diabetes, nutrition in diabetes and foods allowed and not allowed in diabetes was provided to the patients. Overall comparison of mean gain in knowledge revealed that there was a significant increase in the knowledge of the patients. There was a significant decrease in fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels of the patients. Impaired fasting glucose, pre diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes was more prevalent in females than in males, whereas impaired glucose tolerance was found to be more common in males than females. According to the Indian Diabetes Risk Score, female subjects were at a high risk of developing diabetes than male subjects. The study revealed that proper nutrition is a cost effective method in lowering blood glucose levels newline