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Two objectives were established for this study: 1) to assess the impact of a culturally specific, intensive diabetes education program on dietary patterns, and 2) to assess nutrient consumption relative to the Recommended Dietary Allowances. The study population consisted of elderly Mexican Americans with diabetes living in Harlingen and Brownsville, Texas. The experimental group (n = 78) participated in an intense, 2-hour nutrition education session, while the control group (n = 74) did not. The education session was conducted for groups of eight subjects via videotapes and interactive discussion. All groups experienced significant weight loss except the women in the experimental group. After the education program, however, the experimental women had increased the percentage of calories consumed daily from carbohydrate. Mean calcium consumption was substantially less than the RDA in all groups, and inadequate amounts of ascorbic acid and vitamin A often were consumed. Intensive, frequent, long-term follow-up appears essential for more sustained results.