Assessment of dietary knowledge, lifestyle and management of long-duration type 2 diabetes in middle-aged adults (55-65 years) residing in Mumbai city: a cross-sectional study

Hema Goenka; Reema Mathur

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263189

Authors

Hema Goenka Department of Food Science and Nutrition, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Reema Mathur Department of Food Science and Nutrition, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263189

Keywords:

Dietary knowledge, Dietary management, Middle-aged adults, Self-management, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Urban India

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem in India. Dietary knowledge and self-management are important for effective diabetes management, yet adherence to recommended dietary practices may remain suboptimal in individuals with long-duration disease. This study assessed lifestyle, dietary knowledge and management practices among middle-aged adults with long-duration T2DM attending a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 participants aged 55-65 years with T2DM for more than five years. Data were collected from January 2023 to February 2023 using a structured interview schedule covering sociodemographic profile, lifestyle, medical management, and dietary knowledge and management. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and descriptive statistics were computed.

Results: Most participants (97.3%) recognized that diet influences diabetes. Awareness of the My Plate Method was 60.0%, while 50.7% recognized low-carbohydrate diets as a management approach. Carbohydrates were correctly identified as the macronutrient most affecting blood glucose by 82.7% of participants. However, 34.6% were unaware of established dietary frameworks, 18.7% considered jaggery a safer sweetener, and 53.3% selected farsan as an appropriate snack. Medication adherence was high (90.4%), while 34.7% reported no physical exercise. Despite good dietary knowledge, practices remained inconsistent with recommendations.

Conclusions: A substantial knowledge-to-practice gap was observed among middle-aged adults with long-duration T2DM. Structured, individualized and culturally sensitive dietary counselling, reinforced through regular follow-up, is needed to improve dietary self-management.

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