Diabetic Healthy Eating Index (DHEI) in relation to blood sugar levels in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diet quality can effect on blood sugar control in diabetic patients. Objective: This study purposed to evaluate quality of the diet, its relationship with blood sugar levels in diabetic children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 82 patient aging 3 to 18. Individual data were collected via questionnaires. Patient’s diet quality was evaluated with the Diabetes Healthy eating Index (DHEI) and collected data were analyzed. Results: DHEI average score was 39.1 ± 7.8 which was weak. In case of compliance to nutritional recommendations, the highest percentage for good compliance was observed for five index components including, trans fatty acids (100), cholesterol (73.0), vegetable (59.8), dairy and saturated fatty acids (59.8), carbohydrate and fiber (57.30). Poor compliance was observed for three index components including, oil and fat (81.70), fruit (59.8), meat and eggs (52.40). Moderate compliance was observed for diversity (92.70) and total fat percentage (78). No significant linear relationship was observed between DHEI and blood sugar levels. After adjustment for potential confounders, those in the higher than median of DHEI compared with the lower than median had lower odds of high fasting and post-prandial blood sugar, but this association was not significant. Conclusion: Low diet quality, defined as a DHEI score < 50, was observed in this population that needed modification. No relationship was found between DHEI and blood sugar control. Proper nutritional education seems necessary for diet quality improvement and blood sugar control. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India 2025.