The effect of healthy eating attitude and eating behavior on diet quality in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Background Nutrition is important in the management of type 2 diabetes and improved diet quality helps prevent diabetic complications. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate diet quality in individuals with type 2 diabetes and to examine the effect of healthy eating attitude and eating behavior on diet quality. Methods In this study, 280 females and 120 males with type 2 diabetes were administered a questionnaire including general characteristics, adult eating behavior scale and attitude towards healthy eating scale. Healthy eating index-2015 scores were calculated. Data were evaluated using percentage, Independent Samples t test, Chi-square test, One-Way ANOVA, Correlation analysis. Results It was found that 96.8% (n = 271) of females and 92.5% (n = 111) of males had poor diet quality and needed improvement. Healthy eating attitudes were among the factors affecting diet quality. An increase in nutrition knowledge and positive eating habits and a decrease in poor eating habits supported an improvement in diet quality. Conclusions The diet quality of individuals with type 2 diabetes was suboptimal. There is a relationship between diet quality and healthy eating attitudes and behaviors. Improving diet quality, promoting healthy eating attitudes, and educating individuals on regulating eating behaviors may enhance success in diabetes treatment.