RESUMO
BACKGROUND: diet is a main strategy treatment in the diabetic patient. It allows effective use of energy sources in the tissues, and to support apropiate glucose, protein and lipid serum levels. OBJECTIVE: to determine the effectiveness of a participative educational program on metabolic control of patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 (less than 12 months). METHODS: cuasiexperimental design with newly diagnosed diabetic patients of both sexes and previously informed consent. Biochemical and anthropometric markers were analyzed at basal measure and then monthly for 6 months: lipids profile, glycemia, glycosilated hemoglobin, body mass index, and tricipital fold and hip circumference and blood pressure. Educational sessions were with a participative strategy. The diet was calculated according with their physical activitiy and patient's requirements. A subsequent adjustments were done to due according biochemical measures. RESULTS: of 16 patients, 81.2 % were female. The average age was 52 +/- 1 3 years. There were statistical significance values in glucose (28.7 %), glycosilated hemoglobin (35.4 %), cholesterol (12.6 %), high density lipoproteins (11.3 %), systolic (6.1 %) and diastolic (16.8 %) blood pressure, body mass index (6.7 %) and weight (6.9 %). CONCLUSIONS: it was demonstrated that a participative educational program is effective in the control of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patient when diet is individualized according to requirements.