Consumption of total fat and saturated, unsaturated and trans fatty acids by diabetic patients attended at the Nutrition clinic of a reference center in southern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the consumption of total fats and saturated, unsaturated and trans fatty acids by diabetic patients treated at the Diabetes and Hypertension Center of the Federal University of Pelotas. Method: cross-sectional study with type 2 diabetic patients, over 18 years old, of both sexes, performed between the months of March and June of 2018. Secondary data obtained through the charts of the patients treated at the Nutrition clinic will be retrospectively evaluated. The analysis of the consumption of total fats and fatty acids was obtained through the 24-hour recall, applied at the first consultation of the patients. Results: A total of 214 type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated, being the majority female (68.22%). The majority were overweight (95.33%) and 95.28% had abnormal abdominal circumference. Regarding fat consumption, it was observed that total saturated and polyunsaturated fat intake exceeded the limits recommended by SBD, while monounsaturated and trans-fat were within the limits established by the guideline. According to the characteristics of the patients, significant statistical differences were found between total and monounsaturated fat consumption in relation to schooling, showing a higher consumption by those who had completed high school or college. We also found an association between the consumption of monounsaturated fat and trans-fat in relation to the patients' gender. Conclusion: There was a high intake of fats, mainly saturated, predictive of risk for coronary disease, not meeting the recommendation proposed by SBD.