Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment is associated with the goals of cardiovascular control and better eating habits in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To identify the association of diabetes education or medical nutrition therapy with the goals of control of cardiovascular risk indicators and dietary habits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Analytical cross-sectional study in 395 primary care patients. HbA1c, fasting glucose and lipid profile, blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, and body composition were measured. Dietary habits were measured using the «Instrument for measuring lifestyle in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus» (IMEVID), in the nutrition dimension. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and diabetes education (DE) were considered as received by the patient when provided in their healthcare clinic. Women comprised 68% of the patients, with a median of 6 years from diabetes diagnosis. Of the patients, 21% received DE and MNT, 28% DE or MNT, and 51% received neither. The HbA1c was lower in the patients with DE and MNT (7.7% ± 1.9% vs. 8.7% ± 2.3%, 8.4% ± 2.2%; p = .003) respectively. In the patients with DE and MNT, a higher proportion took physical exercise, consumed less tobacco, and had better dietary habits (p < .05). Patients who received DE and MNT achieved HbA1c and HDL-c control levels. A greater risk of HbA1c > 7% was identified when they only received DE or MNT or neither, a longer time since diagnosis of the disease and less frequent adherence to a diet to control the disease (p < .05). Diabetes education and medical nutritional therapy favour the goal of cardiovascular risk control and better dietary habits in the patient with type 2 diabetes.

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