Impact of Nutritional Education on Diabetes Self-Management Among Low-Income Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires effective dietary management and self-care, while low-income patients may face barriers to appropriate nutritional guidance.To assess the impact of structured nutritional education on diabetes self-management among low-income patients with T2DM.A one-group quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study was conducted among 29 low-income patients with T2DM at a teaching hospital in Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan. Participants received structured nutritional education on healthy food choices, portion control, meal planning, and carbohydrate management. Knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed before and after the intervention, while dietary adherence and satisfaction were assessed descriptively.Knowledge scores increased from 15.21 ± 2.16 to 27.83 ± 1.42 (t = −26.306, p < 0.001), while self-efficacy scores increased from 11.03 ± 2.64 to 23.83 ± 1.51 (t = −22.647, p < 0.001). Participants reported favorable dietary adherence and satisfaction with the program.Structured nutritional education was associated with significant improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy, with favorable reported dietary adherence and satisfaction. Affordable, patient-centered nutritional education may support diabetes self-management among low-income patients with T2DM.