Dietary Practices of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outpatients at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi City County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The increasing prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health challenge globally, with Kenya experiencing a rising burden of the disease. Proper dietary management is essential for blood glucose regulation and the prevention of diabetes-related complications. This study assessed the dietary practices of T2DM outpatients at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, and evaluated their adherence to recommended dietary guidelines. An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 165 respondents using structured questionnaires to collect socio-demographic and dietary intake data. A 24-hour dietary recall, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) were used to assess food consumption patterns and gather qualitative insights into patients' dietary behaviors. The study sample comprised 98 (59.4%) female and 67 (40.6%) male participants. Among them, 88 (53.3%) had been living with T2DM for 0-5 years while 33 (20.0%) had lived with the condition for 6-10 years. Regarding the highest level of education attained, 76 (46.1%) had completed secondary education, 45 (27.3%) primary education, and 36 (21.8%) tertiary education. Employment data showed that 79 (47.9%) of the respondents were self-employed, 35 (21.2%) were formally employed, while 28 (17.0%) were unemployed. Healthcare providers played a crucial role in offering dietary guidance, with 144 (87.3%) of respondents reporting having received dietary recommendations. Among them, 102 (61.8%) had received dietary guidance during their first visit, while 41 (24.8%) received it at a later stage. Only 22 (13.3%) of the respondents reported not having received any dietary counseling. The mean energy intake per day was 1,277 ± 576 kcal, falling below the recommended dietary requirements. While staple foods such as maize, rice, and wheat-based products were widely consumed, there was poor intake of fiber-rich foods, fruits, and lean proteins. Financial constraints and limited nutritional awareness were significant hindrances to recommended dietary practices. This study found that the dietary practices of T2DM patients do not fully align with the recommended dietary guidelines for diabetes management. The findings also indicated a need for improved timely nutrition education and sustained dietary support throughout T2DM management. The inclusion of a Focused Group Discussion provided further insights into patient challenges, highlighting the need for continuous professional dietary counseling and education. Future research should examine the effectiveness of structured dietary interventions on glycemic control and long-term disease management.