Factors affecting the use of dietetic services by patients with diabetes mellitus

SUMMARY Aims Dietary counselling is vital for patients with diabetes, yet many do not access professional advice. This study investigated the use of dietetic services by patients with diabetes within Sunderland Health District. Methods Diabetic patients were identified from the laboratory module of the Hospital Information System (HIS). Eight thousand five hundred and ninety‐seven patients were identified, and cross referenced to dietetic records, producing a comprehensive database for analysis. Results Only 58.8% of the sample had dietetic records. Those with records were more likely to be: older (63.8 vs. 61.7 years, P