Differences in health behavior and nutrient intake status between diabetes-aware and unaware Korean adults based on the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey 2016-18 data: A cross-sectional study

Background: The aimof this study was to investigate the nutritional intakes and treatment regimens of Korean patients with type 2 diabetes who were aware of their condition. Methods: Participants (n = 16582) aged >= 19 years fromthe 2016-18 National Health and Nutrition Survey were divided into diabetes-aware and unaware groups and the variables were compared. Results: Among 1,906 (11.5%) diabetic adults, 1,433 (75.2%) were aware of their condition; 130 (9.1%) had nutrition education, and 1,340 (93.5%) were in the diabetes-aware treatment group. The diabetes-aware group had higher average age (P < 0.0001) and lower average BMI (P = 0.0015) than the unaware group. Intake of total fat (P = 0.0034), saturated fatty acids (P = 0.0021), riboflavin (P = 0.0035) and niacin (P = 0.0228) was significantly higher in the unaware group than in the diabetes-aware group, after adjusting energy intake for age and sex. Current smoking (P = 0.0046) and heavy drinking (P < 0.0001) rates were higher in the unaware group, whereas fiber intake (P = 0.0054) was lower in the unaware group. Higher levels of glycated hemoglobin were found in the group treated for diabetes (7.2%) than in the no-treatment (6.8%) group (P = 0.0048). Diabetes control was significantly better in the high income group. Conclusions: There is a need to strengthen nutritional education to prevent diabetes and improve the health status of diabetic patients in Korea.

Automated summary

This study investigated the nutritional intakes and treatment regimens of Korean patients with type 2 diabetes who were aware of their condition. The results showed that the unaware group had higher intake of certain nutrients, higher rates of smoking and heavy drinking, and lower fiber intake. Diabetes control was better in the high income group.