Diet quality according to age group of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus from primary health care centres in Copiapó (Chile)

Globally, 537 million adults (20-79 years) had diabetes mellitus in 2021 (10.5%), and the estimate is projected to rise to over 643 million (11.3%) by 2030 (1). The estimated prevalence for Chile was 12.7%, 90–95% of which were type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases (1). In the last decades, it has been shown the importance of diet quality in the management and prognosis of T2DM (2). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate diet quality in subjects with T2DM from primary health care centres (PHCC) in Copiapo according to age group. A cross-sectional study was performed within the CODIACO cohort, with data collected on 160 participants during 2023. This population-based study involved women and men from 30 to 65 years, with T2DM, and users of PHCCs of Copiapo. Pregnant and lactating women, patients with diabetic neuropathy or nephropathy, cancer, and severe infectious or inflammatory diseases were excluded. Sociodemographic data were recorded, and diet quality was measured through a Mediterranean dietary index (MDI) validated in the Chilean population (3). Participants were categorised by age (≤ 50 years, 50-60 years, ≥ 60 years). The following categories were considered for MDI score: high (9-14 points), moderate (5-8.5 points), and low (