Diet related factors for good glycaemic control among patients with diabetes mellitus in the Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Ideal dietary practices and diet patterns for the better self-management of diabetes mellitus (DM) remains to be determined. This study was aimed at determining the diet related factors for good glycaemic control among patients with DM attending the Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. A study was conducted among 339 patients with DM in medical clinics. Patients (n = 77) with DM who had fasting blood sugar less than or equal to 110 mgdL-1 (cases) and patients (n = 197) with DM who had fasting blood sugar more than or equal to 111 mgdL-1 (controls) for at least 3 last consecutive occasions during 6 months were compared. A pre-tested and validated seven-day dietary diary was used. Not consuming at least one serving of fruits in a week (AOR 2.83, 95 % CI = 1.03-7.76); not consuming bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) at least one tablespoon in a week (AOR 2.23, 95 % CI =1.01-4.95); not consuming Kurinja leaves (Gymnema sylvestre) at least one tablespoon in a week (AOR 2.49, 95 % CI =1.01-6.17); and consuming any yam (AOR 4.75, 95 % CI =1.61-14.07); having a bad lunch (AOR 4.64, 95 % CI =1.93-11.14) and not following a normal diet pattern for ≥ 4 days/week (AOR 8.22, 95 % CI = 3.61-18.74) were found to be the diet related factors for having poor glycaemic control in the multivariate logistic regression model. Influencing dietary factors on good glycaemic control need to be taken into account for comprehensive management and better outcome of DM.