Dietary patterns and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending Wolaita Sodo university comprehensive specialized hospitals, South Ethiopia

A controlled diet is essential for delaying disease progression and achieving optimal glycemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, inappropriate dietary practices remain common in low-resource settings. This hospital-based cross-sectional study examined dietary patterns and associated factors among adults with T2DM attending Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 416 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including a one-week food frequency questionnaire, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and fasting blood sugar measurements. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis, and multiple linear regression models were applied to assess associated factors. Two major dietary patterns were identified, jointly explaining 20.7% of the total variance in dietary intake, indicating meaningful heterogeneity in food consumption behaviors. The mixed dietary pattern, characterized by higher consumption of raw meat, boiled beef, eggs, kocho, kita, and soft drinks, accounted for 10.6% of the variance and was positively associated with being a daily laborer (β = 0.10; 95% CI 0.03, 0.18). The traditional dietary pattern explained 10.1% of the variance and was inversely associated with the presence of comorbid conditions (β = - 0.30; 95% CI-0.62, - 0.02). Distinct dietary patterns were observed among patients with T2DM, with occupational status and comorbidity burden emerging as significant determinants of dietary behavior. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored nutrition education and dietary counseling interventions to improve diabetes management in similar resource-limited settings.