Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science - An open access, peer reviewed international journal covering all aspects of Nutrition and Food Science

Adherence and Barriers to Medical Nutrition Therapy and the Effect on Glycemic Control among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in India

Aditi Rajesh Deshmane^1,2 and Arti S Muley^1*

¹Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India

²Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Indian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Aurangabad, India

Corresponding Author Email: arti@sihspune.org

Abstract:

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) has a remarkable effect on glycemic control among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. However, the extent of adherence to MNT isn't hundred percent. Therefore, we aim to determine the adherence level towards the MNT advised by a Registered Dietitian (RD); to identify the barriers and associated contributing factors and strategies to improve the compliance towards the MNT among people with Type 2 Diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among people with Type 2 Diabetes visiting the out-patient diabetes clinic from Kolhapur city, India. A structured questionnaire was used to capture the adherence and non-adherence, reasons and barriers to adhering the MNT. Out of 293 participants, 41.6% were adhering to the MNT. There was a significant association between the non working group, presence of co-morbidities and diabetes duration. 10 years with the increased adherence level. Similarly, there was a significant reduction of 26.7%, 38.1%, and 30.9% in the fasting, postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c values respectively in adhering group post MNT advice. More than 50% of the participants in the adhering group gave ‘To Improve overall health’ and ‘To control sugar’ as reasons to adhere. ‘Habitual to what they eat’ (64.3%), ‘Does not satisfy hunger’ (42.1%) and ‘Lack of willpower’ (42.1%), were the common barriers identified in our study. Our study shows that the MNT advised by an RD is effective in reducing the socio-cultural barriers to adherence and improves glycemic control. Strategies like making the workplace more diabetes-friendly and adopting behavior changing techniques should be implemented to increase adherence.

Keywords:

Dietary Adherence, Dietary Barriers, Glycemic Control, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

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