Dietary intake and metabolic control of children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus aged 6-10 years in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the dietary intake and metabolic control of children with Type 1 diabetes. Design: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out. Subjects: A total of 30 subjects aged 6-10 years were included in the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Paediatric Diabetic Clinics at Grey’s Hospital, Pietermaritzburg and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Outcome measures: Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record as well as a 24-hour recall of the third day of the dietary record. Metabolic control was assessed using glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: The mean percentage contribution of macronutrients to total energy as determined by the 3 day dietary records and the 24 hour recalls were as follows: carbohydrate (52% and 49%); sucrose (2% and 2%); protein (16% and 17%); fat (32% and 34%) respectively. The intakes were similar to the recommendations by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Consensus Guidelines (2002). Micronutrient intake was generally adequate but calcium and vitamin D intakes were found to be low. The mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for the sample was 9.7%. There was a significant positive correlation between age of the participant and mean HbA1c (r=0.473; p=0.008) and a significant negative correlation between the education level of the caregiver and the mean HbA1c (r=-0.578; p=0.005). Conclusion: The macronutrient intake in this sample was found to be similar to the ISPAD Consensus Guidelines (2002) while calcium and vitamin D intakes were low. Overall the sample had poor metabolic control.