Blood Glucose Levels and Dietary Patterns Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending General Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State

Dietary behaviour remains a primary modifiable factor in the glycaemic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated blood glucose levels and dietary patterns among type 2 diabetic patients attending the General Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied, with 100 confirmed diabetic patients recruited over a ten-week period. Fasting blood glucose was measured using a calibrated glucometer, while dietary patterns were assessed with a validated 24-hour dietary recall tool administered by trained research assistants. Information on medication adherence, physical activity, and duration of diabetes was also collected. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results showed that 64 percent of participants had poor glycaemic control, defined as fasting blood glucose exceeding 7.0 mmol/L. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, particularly white rice and processed cassava products, were associated with poorer glycaemic outcomes. Patients with longer disease duration tended toward worse control. Physical inactivity further compounded glycaemic instability. The study concludes that dietary quality is a critical determinant of blood glucose regulation in this population and recommends structured nutritional counselling within the hospital's diabetic clinic. Integration of dietitian services into outpatient diabetic care is proposed as an actionable intervention. Keywords: type 2 diabetes, blood glucose, dietary pattern, glycaemic control, Ilorin.