Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic metabolic disorders worldwide and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. The disease is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs because of its microvascular and macrovascular complications. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 537 million adults were living with diabetes in 2021, and this number is projected to rise to 783 million by 2045, with T2DM accounting for approximately 90–95% of all diabetes cases [1,2].
Effective management of T2DM requires a comprehensive approach that includes pharmacological treatment, regular physical activity, weight management, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and appropriate nutritional therapy. Among these strategies, dietary modification is considered a cornerstone of diabetes management because it directly influences postprandial glucose levels and long-term glycemic control. Current international guidelines recommend individualized medical nutrition therapy as an essential component of diabetes care to reduce complications and improve quality of life [3,4].
The glycemic index (GI), introduced by Jenkins and colleagues in 1981, classifies carbohydrate-containing foods according to their effects on postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Foods with a low glycemic index produce a slower and more gradual increase in blood glucose and insulin responses than high-GI foods. Consequently, low-GI diets have been associated with improved glycemic control, enhanced insulin sensitivity, better lipid profiles, reduced body weight, and a lower risk of cardiovascular complications among patients with T2DM [5–7].
Several systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the clinical benefits of low-GI diets in diabetes management. Consumption of low-GI foods has been shown to significantly reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, and postprandial glucose excursions while improving overall metabolic outcomes [8,9]. Despite these well-established benefits, adherence to low-GI dietary recommendations remains suboptimal in many countries because of inadequate nutrition knowledge, cultural dietary practices, financial constraints, and limited access to individualized dietary counseling [10].
Patients' awareness and understanding of the glycemic index concept play an essential role in successful dietary adherence. Individuals who understand the effects of carbohydrate quality on blood glucose regulation are more likely to adopt healthier eating behaviors and participate actively in diabetes self-management. Conversely, poor nutritional knowledge has been associated with inadequate glycemic control, increased risk of diabetes-related complications, and reduced treatment adherence [11,12]. Therefore, assessing patients' knowledge regarding low-GI diets is essential for identifying educational needs and improving diabetes management strategies.
Although awareness of diabetes has increased globally, evidence regarding patients' knowledge and perceptions of low-GI diets remains limited, particularly in developing countries. In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, few studies have evaluated diabetic patients' understanding of dietary glycemic index or their perceptions regarding its therapeutic effectiveness. This lack of evidence limits the development of culturally appropriate educational interventions that promote healthy dietary behaviors and improve diabetes outcomes.
Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness and perceived therapeutic efficacy of a low glycemic index diet among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending selected healthcare facilities in the Raparin Administration, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The findings may assist healthcare professionals in designing targeted nutritional education programs that improve dietary adherence and optimize glycemic control among patients with T2DM.
Materials and Methods
Study Design
A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to evaluate awareness and perceived therapeutic efficacy of a low glycemic index (GI) diet among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This design was selected to provide a comprehensive assessment of participants' knowledge, diabetes management practices, and perceptions regarding the therapeutic benefits of a low-GI diet.
Study Setting
The study was conducted at Raparin General Hospital, Kewaresh Health Center, and Chwarqwrna General Hospital in the Raparin Administration, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Data were collected over a two-month period from 17 December 2024 to 17 February 2025.
Study Population and Sampling
The study population consisted of adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended the selected healthcare facilities during the study period. A non-probability purposive sampling technique with a convenience approach was used to recruit eligible participants. A total of 242 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were enrolled in the study.
Inclusion Criteria
Participants were eligible if they:
- Were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Were 18 years of age or older.
- Attended one of the selected healthcare facilities during the study period.
- Agreed to participate voluntarily and provided informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
Patients were excluded if they:
- Had not been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
- Were younger than 18 years of age.
- Were unconscious or had cognitive impairment that prevented completion of the questionnaire.
- Declined to participate in the study.
Study Instrument
Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire developed after reviewing relevant literature on diabetes self-management and glycemic index diets. The questionnaire consisted of four sections:
- Sociodemographic characteristics, including age, sex, marital status, residence, education, occupation, monthly income, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI).
- Diabetes management practices, including insulin use, oral hypoglycemic medication, attendance at diabetes education programs, blood glucose monitoring frequency, family history of diabetes, smoking status, and adherence to a diabetes-specific diet.
- Awareness and knowledge of the glycemic index diet, comprising questions assessing participants' understanding of the GI concept, GI food categories, health benefits of low-GI diets, and barriers to dietary adherence.
- Perceived therapeutic efficacy of the low glycemic index diet, measured using a 10-point Likert-type rating scale evaluating participants' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of a low-GI diet in controlling blood glucose, preventing complications, improving diabetes management, and supporting long-term disease control.
Data Collection Procedure
Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted by the researchers using the structured questionnaire. Before participation, patients received an explanation of the study objectives and procedures, and written informed consent was obtained. Each interview required approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. Participant confidentiality was maintained throughout the study, and collected information was used exclusively for research purposes.
Statistical Analysis
Data were entered and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize participant characteristics and study variables. Inferential analysis was performed using the Chi-square test to examine associations between categorical variables. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the College of Nursing, University of Raparin, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, before commencement of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after explaining the study objectives, confidentiality of responses, and voluntary nature of participation. Participants were informed that they could withdraw from the study at any stage without any consequences, and all data were anonymized and securely stored to protect participant privacy.