# Factors influencing nutrition literacy in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study explores how well type 2 diabetes patients understand nutrition and what factors influence their knowledge, to help improve health programs.

## Contribution

The study identifies key factors influencing nutrition literacy in type 2 diabetes patients using a cross-sectional design.

## Key findings

- Patients scored 100.56 ± 22.27 on the Nutrition Literacy Scale, indicating upper-middle range literacy.
- Factors like education level, residence, and disease duration significantly affect nutrition literacy (p < 0.05).
- Healthcare providers should tailor nutrition education based on these influencing factors.

## Abstract

To understand the current status of nutrition literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and analyze its influencing factors, aiming to provide a basis for medical staff to construct nutrition management and education programs.

A total of 790 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who met the inclusion exclusion criteria in Hangzhou City were selected from March 2024 to January 2025 using convenience sampling method. The researchers used a general demographic questionnaire and the Nutrition Literacy Scale for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus scored (100.56 ± 22.27) on the Nutrition Literacy Scale. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that place of residence, education level, glycosylated hemoglobin, diabetic complications, comorbidities, and duration of the disease were the main factors affecting their nutrition literacy (p < 0.05).

Nutrition literacy of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is at upper middle range and is affected by a variety of factors. Healthcare professionals should construct a nutrition management and education program based on the influencing factors to help patients improve their nutrition literacy level and form healthy eating behaviors.