EFFECT OF DIETARY EDUCATION ON METABOLIC CONTROL IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE-I DIABETES-MELLITUS

This study describes the effects of an intensified dietary education p rogramme on the metabolic regulation of 34 children and adolescents, a ged 19 years, with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. At ba seline, quantity and types of food consumed by the patients were evalu ated by an experienced dietician using both dietary records and an int erview, and various pertinent clinical and biochemical parameters were documented. Following a 3-month intensified educational programme sig nificant changes in types of food consumed were observed with an incre ment in ingestion of carbohydrate and fibre and a reduction in consump tion of lipids and proteins. The metabolic control of these patients i mproved on the modified diet as evidenced by a significant reduction i n insulin requirement and glycated haemoglobin (HbA(lc)) concentration . We conclude that dietary education can change the pattern of food in take in children and adolescents with Type I diabetes mellitus and mot ivates them to adopt the recommended dietary modifications that improv e their metabolic control.