OBJECTIVE: This work evaluates the multiprofessional intervention results on glucemic control, lipid profile, and nutritional status of diabetic patients, who received primary level health care in Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: An examination was carried out, to evaluate the levels of glucemia, body mass index, and lipid profile of 190 type-2 diabetic patients (31 to 83 years old), assisted during the period of 1993 to the year 2000. The data were collected at the 1st. consultation on nutrition, and after three months, whereas some data were also collected at a 3rd. moment (6 months after the initial consultation). RESULTS: Initially, the registered data were the high average and medium values for body mass index, fasting glucemia, total cholesterol, LDL-c and triglycerides. Over the first three months after intervention, a significant reduction occurred in the body mass index (from 28.3 to 27.8kg/m²), fasting glucemia levels (from 178.5 to 135.0mg/dL), total cholesterol (from 251.0 to 230.0mg/dL), LDL-c (from 185.5 to 159mg/dL) and triglycerides (from 243.0 to 190.0mg/dL); however, no alteration occurred in the HDL-c levels. The patients with body mass index <30kg/m², as well as those with a more recent history of diabetes obtained better outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study's results allow us to conclude that multiprofessional health care is fundamental in controlling diabetes, and such care should begin as soon as possible.
blood glucose; diabetes mellitus; nutritional status; nutritional intervention
