Factors associated with adherence to the dietary management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective To identify factors associated with adherence to the dietary management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) attending the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”. Methods Cross‐sectional study in 57 patients with DM1. Adherence to dietary management was assessed through two 24‐ hour recall dietary surveys and the instrument “Diabetes self care activities measure”; glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured. We compared the characteristics of those with better vs poorer adherence in the consumption of energy recommendations, servings of carbohydrate (CH) and number of meal times during the day, with the chi square and student T tests. The protocol was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. Results Mean age 12 ± 2.9 years. The average HbA1c was above 9%; 23% reported attending a diabetes education group. 24% reported adequate energy intake and 60% omitted one or more meal times during the day, collations were those more often omitted. Consumption of CH servings was poor in 70% of patients and in no case was excessive. An association was found between those who meet the prescribed servings of CH and do not omit meal times with a better match of energy recommendations. Conclusions The dietary adherence was poor, qualified through the fulfillment of the prescribed eating plan, self perception of compliance, and HbA1c levels.