Dietary Practices and Related Elements Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Kerala, India

Background: Frequency of type 2 diabetes is very much elevated in Kerala in comparison with other states. Essential and effectual regulation of the illness could avert and thus delay complications. Good dietary practice is an important component in diabetes management. This study aims to assess the regimen applications and related elements among patients with type 2 diabetes in Malappuram district of Kerala. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done among 304 patients with type 2 diabetes selected by cluster sampling from randomly chosen electoral divisions of Malappuram block panchayat of Kerala. A systematic interview was performed in order to evaluate the frequency and prevalence of quality regimen practices among patients distressed with type 2 diabetes and factors associated with it. Good dietary practice was a single composite outcome created out of 5 independent variables. Results: The prevalence of good dietary practice among patients with type 2 diabetes was 20.4%. Elements like self-announced hardness in following a healthy balanced regimen (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.19 [0.09-0.41]), physical help from a family member to follow good dietary practices (AOR: 2.89 [1.24-6.75]), companionship of peer or family member in practicing good dietary practice (AOR: 2.23 [1.07-4.66]), and regular blood sugar monitoring (AOR: 2.74 [1.27-5.94]) were remarkably linked with quality regimen practices. Conclusion: Prevalence of good dietary practices within patients with type 2 diabetes was found to be very low. Interventions for improvement in good dietary practices should include methods like regime counselling which can actually guide the patients to outgrow their recognized health issues. During difficult times like these, most of the patients desire great family assistance and help from others who would like to conduct good regimen practices with the patients.