Knowledge and Attitude of Diet in Type 2 Diabetes in Low Socioeconomic Group.

Introduction: India has over 50 million diabetics, a great socio-economic burden due to associated mortality and morbidity. As diet has pivotal role in management, good knowledge and its correct practice is vital for management of diabetes. Aim: To study the knowledge and practices of diet in type 2 diabetes belonging to low socioeconomic group. Methodology: 100 diabetic patients attending OPD at chigetteri hospital with low socioeconomic group. They were in interviewed based on questions prepared for the study. Results: 100 patients both male and female were interviewed. Their knowledge about diabetes status is poor, 92% believed that diet modification would help in control of diabetes but only 51% followed some restrictions. Patients educational background was very poor which might have contributed for their reluctance and ignorance. Patients received knowledge and information about diabetes from the treating physician. There were no educational programmes to teach them about the disease or its management. Conclusion: There is urgent need for diabetes education programmes. If this generation is educated about diabetes and prevention of complications, future generation will be free of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]