Comparison of nutrition knowledge in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Introduction. Diabetes as a non-infectious chronic metabolic disease is a problem of the contemporary world, including Poland. Behaviour therapy plays an important role in its treatment, i.e. proper diet and regular physical activity. Patient’s knowledge of nutrition principles is also an essential complement to the treatment, reducing the risk of late complications of diabetes. Objective. Assessment of the nutrition knowledge of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Materials and method. The study involved 300 randomly selected patients from Rzeszów and the surrounding area (135 patients with type 1 diabetes and 165 patients with type 2 diabetes) aged 8–78.The analysis was made using a survey questionnaire prepared by the authors of the study, conducted in the period July – December 2011. Results. The survey revealed that patients with type 1 diabetes have greater nutrition knowledge and knowledge about diabetes than patients with type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, they are less likely to comply with the recommendations of the diet prescribed by a doctor or a dietician. Conclusions. Patients with diabetes, regardless of age, type of diabetes, gender, or disease duration require continuous broadening of diabetes knowledge. Systematic training will teach patients proper eating habits related to their diet and lifestyle.