Assessment of knowledge about the role of diet regime and physical exercise to control diabetes among type 2 diabetic patients in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus, represent a global worldwide threat, being highly prevalent and cause a wide range of disabilities, morbidity and mortality. Aims & Objective: The objective of the study was to explore knowledge about the role of diet regime and physical exercise to control diabetes among Sudanese type 2 diabetic patients in Khartoum State and determine factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional health facility-based study. Using a modified Diabetes Care Profile questionnaire, type 2 diabetic patients of more than 18 years of age and having diabetes for at least 1 year attending two selected specialized diabetic care centers and one endocrinology referred clinic were interviewed. The study sample was 306. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 310 patients were enrolled, of whom 289 patients were interviewed. Mean age was around 55 years and 54% were females. The proportions found to have excellent knowledge levels about diet regime were 62.3%; about physical exercise were 51.2%. Self-care knowledge levels were found to be significantly associated with age, educational level, being employed, and having health education about DM before. Conclusion: Diabetes health education and social support are important determinants of diabetes self-care related knowledge. Strategies should focus on training of physicians and health-care providers on all aspects of diabetes-related knowledge. Efforts are needed to improve the socioeconomic status of diabetics and educate them for better control of the disease.