Impact of Structured Dietary Counselling on Nutritional Status and Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global metabolic disorder with rapidly increasing prevalence, particularly in South Asia. Dietary counselling is a cornerstone of diabetes management, yet structured, evidence-based nutrition interventions remain underutilised in clinical settings.

Objectives: To assess the effect of a 12-week structured dietary counselling programme on anthropometric indices, dietary intake, and glycaemic control among T2DM patients.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted among 120 T2DM patients (60 intervention, 60 control) at a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow, India. The intervention group received individualised dietary counselling sessions every four weeks over 12 weeks, while the control group received standard care. Outcomes measured included HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), BMI, waist circumference, and 24-hour dietary recall.

Results: At 12 weeks, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in HbA1c (8.6% to 6.9%, p<0.001), FBG (172 mg/dL to 118 mg/dL, p<0.001), and BMI (27.4 to 24.1 kg/m², p<0.01) compared to controls. Dietary fibre intake increased significantly (14.2 g/day to 23.7 g/day, p<0.001) in the intervention group.

Conclusion: Structured dietary counselling is effective in improving glycaemic control and nutritional status in T2DM patients. Integration of clinical dietitians into diabetes management teams is strongly recommended