How frequently do patient comply? - Poster Presentation

ABSTRACT

Diet and exercise are important in the management of diabetes mellitus. Of 31 diabetic patients seen at the dietary department for counselling, 27 had type 2 diabetes and 4 type 1. Only 20 percent were hypertensive and only 6.6 percent smokers. The mean age was 62 years. The femalemale ratio was 2.91 and the mean duration of diabetes 8.1 years. The commonest drug regime was twice daily insulin therapy (32.3 percent) followed by sulphonyl urea (25.8 percent) and biguanide therapy (12.9 percent). 66.6 percent had received counselling in the past but 45 percent did not comply. 45 percent exercised regularly. The commonest exercise was walking which was done for an average of 37 minutes for 3.6 days per week. The BMI was 38.12 (range 17-38.4) and the mean calories prescribed were 1536 kcal per day. Conclusion: Despite generalised obesity in this population, the proportion of patients offered previous dietary counselling was suboptimal. Exercise was practised by a minority, but those who exercised did so at the present recommended rate. The importance of diet and exercise needs to be emphasised to patients.(AU)