Effect of nutrition counselling on nutritional status of juvenile diabetics

Thirty male juvenile diabetic subjects in the age group of 13–18 years were selected from two hospitals of Ludhiana, and were divided into two groups of 13–15 years and 16–18 years, with 15 subjects in each group. General information of the subjects was recorded by interview schedule. After one month of control period, both the groups were imparted nutrition counselling (NC) for 3 months at 15 days interval by individual and group contacts about diabetes, its types, causes, symptoms, complications and its management through insulin therapy, diet and physical activity. Dietary survey revealed inadequacy of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits in daily diet consumed by the subjects before NC which increased significantly after NC, whereas consumption of milk was higher as compared to suggested intake. Intake of nutrients like energy, carbohydrates, proteins iron and zinc was inadequate before NC which improved significantly after NC, whereas intake of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and folic acid was adequate and improved significantly after NC. Hence, nutrition counselling is an effective measure in improving diabetic state and delay of secondary complications.