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Effect of Medical Advice for Diet on Diabetes Self-Management and Glycemic Control for Haitian and African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes
Department of Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Fatma G. Huffman, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University
  • Joel C. Exebio, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University
  • Joan Vaccaro, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University
  • Gustavo G. Zarini, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University
  • Zisca Dixon, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University
Date of this Version
8-30-2013
Document Type
Article
Abstract

Adequate care of type 2 diabetes is reflected by the individual’s adherence to dietary guidance; yet, few patients are engaged in diabetes self-care at the recommended level, regardless of race/ethnicity. Few studies on the effect of dietary medical advice on diabetes self-management (DSM) and glycemic control have been conducted on Haitian and African American adults with type 2 diabetes. These relationships were assessed in total of 254 Blacks with type 2 diabetes (Haitian Americans = 129; African Americans = 125) recruited from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, Florida by community outreach methods. Although dietary advice received was not significantly different between the two Black ethnicities, given advice “to follow a diet” as a predictor of “using food groups” was significant for Haitian Americans, but not for African Americans. Haitian Americans who were advised to follow a diet were approximately 3 times more likely to sometimes or often use food groups (or exchange lists) in planning meals. Less than optimal glycemic control (A1C > 7.2) was inversely related to DSM for African Americans; but the relationship was not significant for Haitian Americans. A one unit increase in DSM score decreased the odds ratio point estimate of having less than optimal glycemic control (A1C > 7.2%) by a factor of 0.94 in African Americans. These results suggest that medical advice for diet plans may not be communicated effectively for DSM for some races/ethnicities. Research aimed at uncovering the enablers and barriers of diet management specific to Black ethnicities with type 2 diabetes is recommended.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
Comments

Originally published in Food and Nutrition Science.

Citation Information
Fatma G. Huffman, Joel C. Exebio, Joan Vaccaro, Gustavo G. Zarini, et al.. "Effect of Medical Advice for Diet on Diabetes Self-Management and Glycemic Control for Haitian and African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes" (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/joan_vaccaro/25/