Effects of Dietary Modification Programs by Using Food Exchange for Behavior Control of Blood Sugar Levels in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Pratongkham District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of dietary modification
programs by using food exchange on behavior control of blood sugar levels in patients with
type 2 diabetes Pratongkham district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. The health belief model
and social support theory were applied in this study. The research design was Quasi–
experimental research. 76 patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into experimental
and control groups which included 38 people in each group. The experimental group
received the program consisting of knowledge builder, perceived risk, perceived severity,
perceived benefits and perceived barriers on food for diabetic patients. Lectures on threecolors
food as well as the amount of calories from each food sample flip were given.
Demonstrating food choices exchange, coaching exchange food choices and exchange of
experience were conducted. The program was carried out for 8 weeks. The data were
collected using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics consisted of frequency, percentage,
mean and standard deviation, dependent t-test and independent t-test at the 0.05
significance level were used for data analysis..
The results showed the knowledge about diabetes comprehension about the risk,
severity, benefits and the obstacles of food consumption; and to behaviour in the self-care
of experimental group increased more than the comparison group with the approved
statistic significantly (p<0.05). The comparison of blood sugar level of the experimental
group and the comparison group before and after the experiment were difference
significantly (p<.05).
In conclusion, dietary modification programs by using food exchange program
caused an increase of behavioral performance in self-care and controlling of blood sugar
levels. Thus, the results of the participation in dietary modification programs by using food
exchange, food exchange demonstration, practice of sharing food choices, exchange of
experience, and receiving home visits were directly related to the occurrence and
prevention of type 2 diabetes.