title: Glycaemic index knowledge and use among African Americans with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory pilot study investigated the extent to which African Americans with type 2 diabetes receive information on the glycaemic index and their knowledge of the index and use of this information.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The growing impact of type 2 diabetes has sparked the need for evidence-based policies that result in increased diabetes self-care among affected individuals. Because of the disproportionate prevalence and severity of type 2 diabetes among African Americans, specific focus on this population is warranted. The glycaemic index is a useful dietary tool for controlling blood glucose levels. However, information on knowledge and use of the glycaemic index among African Americans with type 2 diabetes is lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data source was a convenience sample of 60 African American adults with type 2 diabetes from three churches located in the Midwest region of the United States. This was an exploratory study using survey design. Data collection was performed during the period from November 2007 to March 2008.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although 73% of participants attended diabetes education classes, only 50% reported receiving education about the glycaemic index. Those attending diabetes education classes had a statistically significant higher knowledge of the glycaemic index and use of it. No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, education, income or body mass index on the participants' knowledge of glycaemic index or use of the glycaemic index.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of certified nurse diabetes educators may be a positive step in providing consistent and up-to-date diabetes care information to African Americans with type 2 diabetes.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Waller
authors.forename: Huey-Ming
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Tzeng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D038321:Glycemic Index; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology