An analysis of the association between HbA1c levels of patients with type 2 diabetes and nutritional habits

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the association between the nutritional habits of patients with type 2 diabetes and their HbA1c levels, and to determine the influences of nutritional habits on HbA1c levels.Methods: This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was based on Type 2 diabetes and nutritional habits. A total of 110 individuals with type 1 diabetes were randomly selected from Uludag University Hospital, Bursa, Turkey. The sample power was found to be 92%. The data collection tools were an Information Form for Diabetes Patients and a Nutritional Habits Form. The study data were analyzed with descriptive, Pearson correlation and multiple regression statistics.Results: The study results illustrated a statistically significant relation between the HbA1c levels and nutritional habits of diabetes patients (r = -.88) and further suggested that 72% of changes in HbA1c levels may result from patients' nutritional habits (R2:.72, p=.000).Conclusion: Diabetes patients can better manage a nutritional therapy and control HbA1c levels when their nutritional habits have been identified in detail. Nutritional habits are proven to be influential in maintaining glycemic control, which consequently emphasizes the significance of the nutritional habits of patients with diabetes. In summary, this small-scale cross-sectional study indicates the potential role of nutritional habits in glycemic control.