Diet of Indian Flying Fox Pteropusgiganteus(Brünnich, 1782) in selected districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract :

Diabetic patients are increasing disproportionately in India due to rapid transition of lifestyle from traditional to westernized and urbanized culture. Educational intervention was aimed to promote better self-care and management of diabetes, giving due emphasis on key health messages for the subject population about diet, physical activities and risk factors related to type 2 diabetes and its complications. An objective of the Study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational intervention on dietary practices of diabetic patients. A software package (CD) was developed for educational intervention. It was found that out of 15 tips given to improve the diet of diabetic patients, 12 were highly adopted by the experimental group. The number of patients who accepted these tips showed a significant increase in the post-intervention period. The mean intake of cereals, fleshy food and fats was significantly higher than the RDA in both pre- and post-periods; which was not advisable for diabetic patients. However, intakes of these foods were reduced in the post intervention period. In all other food items except pulses the mean intake was significantly lower (at 1 % level) at both pre- and post-test periods compared to RDA. But a reasonable increase in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits after intervention indicated a positive attitude in the subjects.