Management of patients with Diabetes Mellitus in the rural areas

Type 2 of Diabetes Mellitus is one of the chronic diseases with sever complications and side effects. In many countries the prevalence of this disease is high and its trend is upward, therefore it accounts as a major public health problem. The management of diabetes encompasses primary, secondary and tertiary care assuming a key role for patients on the control of the disease. Life style change particularly changes in the food habits of patients is important in the management of this disease. Based on RDA standard, the calorie intake of these patients must be more from carbohydrate resources than lipid and protein ones In a cross-sectional study 100 patients from the different parts of rural areas in Sari city were chosen using one stage calcified- clustered sampling method. A questionnaire of 24-hour dietary intake recall was used to collect the data related to the diet behaviour of patients in terms of the source of energy and micronutrients. The mean age of patients was 52.86 years. The majority of patients were female. The average years of respondents living with this disease was 6.87. The average BMI of patients was 27.56, thus they had excess weight. The main source of energy intake of patients was from lipids (46%) twice as much as the recommended level by RDA standard. Based on the existing evidence the current situation of diabetes management in the studied population is not optimal and appropriate decision must be taken for the change in the life style and behaviour of patients.