Nutrition labeling as a tool to promote self-care in diabetic patients

• Published in: Revista brasileira em promoção da saúde = Brazilian journal in health promotion Vol. 27; no. 4; p. 568
• Main Authors: Anna Cecília Queiroz de Medeiros, Amanda Laís Pereira de Lima, Júlia da Nóbrega Silva, Luana Joselyn Silva do Nascimento
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fortaleza Universidade de Fortaleza - Centro de Ciências da Saúde 01-01-2014
• Subjects: Descriptive labeling; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Knowledge acquisition; Labeling; Legislation; Nutrition; Patients; Workshops
• ISSN: 1806-1222; 1806-1230
• DOI: 10.5020/2841

Objective: To describe the process of developing and implementing a workshop on nutrition labeling tailored to the needs of diabetic patients. Data synthesis: The study was conducted with members of a diabetes group in Currais Novos/RN. Initially, a review of the existing legislation on labeling was made in order to identify impact points for the diabetic patient. Then, the following themes were selected: diet, light and zero; wholesome food; nomenclature and synonyms to designate sugar; order of ingredients; instructions for use and serving/portion size. After that, a visual support material was elaborated for a better assimilation of information and group activities were devised seeking to offer experiences that would allow to work on some issues in a more agile and practical way, favoring the understanding of information. The individuals actively participated in the activities and also got a glimpse of how to apply the acquired knowledge to their daily lives. Conclusion: The workshops contributed to the deepening of knowledge and the acquisition of skills to handle diabetes, encouraging the protagonism of patients in relation to dietary care. Given the good acceptance of this initiative and the power that such type of information has to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients, it is expected that similar activities are included more often in the repertoire of health care services.