Assessment of carbohydrate count method knowledge levels and insulin types of individuals with type 1 DM

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the knowledge status of carbohydrate (CHO) counting method and to examine the insulin types and doses of adult individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who applied CHO count. Methods: This is a descriptive study. The working group of this study consisted of 118 patients with T1DM who applied CHO counting, aged 18-65 using outpatient treatment in the endocrine outpatient clinics of Antakya Academy Hospital, Private Eastern Mediterranean Hospital and Private Laurel Hospitals in Hatay. In the study, a questionnaire consisting of questions about the participants' introductory information (such as age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), feeding habits (main meals, snacks, fluid consumption), insulin type and doses and CHO counting information level was applied to the participants. Results: The mean age of the participants was 35 years, the mean BMI was 24.5 kg/m(2) the mean duration of diabetes was 13.6 months and the duration of CHO counting was 22 months. The most frequently used insulin type was rapid-acting insulin with 49.2%. Participants administered the highest amount of insulin overnight and an average of 14.83 units. The most preferred CHO counting level of the participants was second level with 40.7%. 57.6% of the participants thought that they had information about CHO counting. Participants have the highest information on CHO counts from dietitians (51.7%). Participants' most preferred method when performing CHO counting; The portion estimation method with 50.8%. In addition, 68.6% of the participants stated that they had no difficulty in adjusting insulin dosage by CHO counting method. 67.8% of the participants thought that CHO amount was more important than CHO types. In addition, 44.1% of the participants who used CHO counting method had information about CHO containing foods, but they hadn't enough information, and 16.9% of the participants said that they have no idea. Conclusions: Participants were most likely to use overnight and rapid-long-acting insulin, and their preferred method of CHO counting was second level. The majority of participants had knowledge of CHO counting, but their knowledge were insufficient. In addition, the majority of participants didn't have difficulty adjusting insulin dosage by CHO counting method.