IMPACT OF NURSE-LED DIABETES DIET EDUCATION ON HEALTHY EATING KNOWLEDGE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic metabolic disorder requiring effective self-management to maintain optimal blood glucose levels and prevent complications. Healthy eating is a key component of diabetes management; however, many patients have inadequate knowledge regarding appropriate dietary practices. Nurse-led Diabetes Diet Education is an effective strategy to improve dietary knowledge and support self-management. This study assessed knowledge regarding healthy eating, evaluated the effectiveness of nurse-led Diabetes Diet Education, and determined the association between selected socio-demographic variables and knowledge among diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 100 diabetic patients selected through convenience sampling at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire on healthy eating. Results: Baseline assessment showed that 11% of participants had inadequate knowledge, 79% had moderately adequate knowledge, and 10% had adequate knowledge regarding healthy eating. Following nurse-led Diabetes Diet Education, 91% demonstrated adequate knowledge, 9% had moderately adequate knowledge, and none remained in the inadequate category. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 15.14 ± 3.553 to 25.23 ± 2.781 (t=–54.602, P<0.001), confirming the effectiveness of the intervention. Significant associations were observed between knowledge scores and age, educational status, occupation, dietary pattern, duration of diabetes, family history, and history of diabetes-related complications. Conclusion: Nurse-led Diabetes Diet Education effectively improved knowledge regarding healthy eating among diabetic patients. Regular nurse-led dietary education can enhance dietary knowledge, promote effective diabetes self management, and support improved health outcomes.