Assessment of Nutritional Awareness among Saudi Diabetic pregnant women in Riyadh City.

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the nutritional awareness among Saudi diabetic pregnant women in Riyadh City at the antenatal clinics of the Military hospital in Riyadh City, K.S.A. One hundred Saudi pregnant diabetic women were interviewed, questionnaire include general information, 24 hour recall method for dietary practice and questions related to consumption of different food during one week. Scoring system was used. It was found that only 16% of the women had good knowledge about nutrition and its role in management of diabetes in pregnancy. Also, gestational diabetes is very common in the study sample among illiterate, high parity and fertility, (20-40 years) pregnant women. Therefore, tailored nutritional educational programs are recommended to be geared to such specific groups, such an education should start as early as during first ante-natal visit.