Objective:

To verify the effects of telephone support on adherence to healthy eating practices among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

This was a clinical trial with 63 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 36 patients were allocated to the intervention group (G1) and 27 patients to the control group (G2). For G1, telephone support was provided, consisting of four telephone calls addressing food planning, types and portions of food, and healthy foods. For G2, normal care was given in their health facility. The effects of telephone support on healthy eating were measured at baseline (T1) and at four months after the intervention (T2).

Results:

In G1, 16 (44.44%) patients joined at T1, which dropped to 14 (38.88%) by T2. In G2, 8 (29.62%) patients started at T1 and the number rose to 9 (33.33%) by T2. After the G1 intervention, there was an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, a reduction in the consumption of fatty foods and foods high in sugar, and an increase in meal frequency. A significant difference was noted in reduced fasting blood glucose among non-adherent patients and reduced Hb1Ac among adherent patients from G1.

Conclusion:

The four-month intervention using telephone support proved insufficient to increase adherence to healthy eating. However, there was an increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables and a decrease in the consumption of fatty foods, foods high in sugar, and soft drinks.

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