Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Levenduski, Elizabeth Anne
URN	etd-01072004-065819
Title	The Impact of Nutrition Education in a Community-Based Diabetes Education Program
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Science, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Laura R. Cook Committee Chair Anahita M. Mistry Committee Member Bonnie B. Greenwood Committee Member
Keywords	Education Nutrition Diabetes
Date of Defense	2004-01-05
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Few studies have investigated the impact of nutrition education in community based diabetes education programs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of both a diabetes program with and without a nutrition education component designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The diabetes program consisted of 4 classes meeting once a week for 2 hours. The basic diabetes education was provided by a licensed doctor of pharmacy; the nutrition education was provided by a graduate nutrition student. The basic diabetes education consisted of information regarding complications, medication therapy and the physical and emotional aspects of diabetes. The nutrition education focused on promotion of healthy lifestyle changes through food selection, food preparation and physical activity. Nutrition education was presented by use of food models, cooking demonstrations, food tasting and meal planning activities. Baseline metabolic parameters and six month outcomes, following completion of the interventions, were collected from 14 diabetics taking part in the basic diabetes education program (BE group) and 18 from the program with basic diabetes education plus the nutrition education component (NE group). An additional 23 individuals took part in the NE group, however, 6 month follow up data was not available for these individuals. All participants of the NE group were seen 3 months following completion of the intervention. The majority of individuals participating in this community diabetes program were African American (76%), had a high school education or less (72%) and had income less than the poverty level (56%). The majority of the sample was classified as obese (69%) and 74% exhibited glycated hemoglobin greater than the recommended <7%, set by the American Diabetes Association. The BE group exhibited significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin values from baseline to 6 months (p=0.03). The NE group significantly reduced body weight from baseline to 3 months (p=0.05) but exhibited significant weight gain from 3 months to 6 months after completion of the intervention (p=0.004). The nutrition education was effective in motivating weight loss among participants. Results of this study indicate that the diabetes education with and without the nutrition education component played a successful role in the improvements of metabolic outcomes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes should be encouraged to attend diabetes education courses which combine diabetes and nutrition education. This study provided evidence of the need for followup education or support groups so individuals may continue to be motivated and maintain metabolic control.
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