The relationship between nutrition literacy and the consumption of high-glycemic-index foods and fasting blood glucose levels in people with diabetes

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing health problem in Indonesia and is closely linked to dietary patterns and individuals’ ability to understand nutritional information. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nutritional literacy and the consumption of high-glycemic index (GI) foods with fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consisted of 46 respondents selected using purposive sampling in the service area of the Telukjambe Community Health Center. Data were collected via the Nutrition Literacy Scale for Diabetic Patients questionnaire, the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and fasting blood glucose measurements. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test. The results showed a significant association between nutrition literacy and fasting blood glucose levels (p=0.007), as well as an association between the consumption pattern of high-glycemic index foods and fasting blood glucose levels (p=0.005). Respondents with low nutrition literacy and a higher frequency of consuming high-GI foods tended to have higher fasting blood glucose levels. The conclusion of this study indicates that nutritional literacy and dietary patterns play a crucial role in controlling blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, improving nutritional literacy and adopting a low-glycemic-index diet are necessary measures for diabetes management.