Assessment Of Nutritional Status And Food Habit Of Type 2 Diabetics At Federal Medical Center Umuahia And Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba.

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the nutritional status and food habit of Type 2 diabetics at Federal Medical Center Umuahia and Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba. Data were collected from a one hundred randomly selected individual through structured, validated and pretested questionnaire. The study revealed that as many as 47% of the respondents were diagnosed of diabetes at the age of 50-55yrs. Majority of the respondents (90%) eye problem was the major complication their experienced. About 86% of the respondents managed their diabetes with food and drugs and many of the respondents (56%) took herbal mixtures like utazi which help in reducing their b1ood sugar level. Most of the respondents adhere to high protein diet as directed by the doctor while 83% of the respondents said that their health conditions determined their food choice. Most of them (70%) however, said that their condition had little effect n their participation in feeding when they 'are in a public function such as parties. Furthermore, it as revealed that majority of the respondents 967%) were normal and 18% were underweight, few were overweight (6%) and 9% were obsessed which implies that many met the FAQ/WHO recommendation while some did not. Furthermore studies are hereby recommended on the use of diet and drugs in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.