Changes in sodium excretion in people with diabetes following dietary advice

INTERVENTION: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of dietary education to reduce sodium intake compared with usual care on sodium excretion of people with type 2 diabetes. This is a parallel study of 2 groups and the intervention will be for 12 months, with weight, height and blood pressure measured at the beginning, at 3 months and the end of the study. Urine samples will also be measured and 24‐hour food recalls will be conducted. The target salt intake will be 5g/day for women and 6g/day for men. Patients will meet with a dietitian one‐on‐one for approximately 15 minutes at the beginning of the study and again at three months. The dietary education will be focused on using the FSANZ low sodium guideline of 120mg/100g food. A simple pictorial education tool containing pictures of appropriate foods will be used and participants will be provided with a booklet containing a 2 week cycle of menus, recipes to guide food preparation, tips for adapting usual recipes, tips for eating out and social occasions. Participants will also be provided with a sodium content of favourite foods and how to include these while maintaining a reduced salt intake. CONDITION: Type 2 Diabetes PRIMARY OUTCOME: Blood pressure measured by automated sphygmomanometer (mean of three measurements) Sodium excretion measured by 24 hour urinary collection SECONDARY OUTCOME: Blood pressure medications, dose and type Dietary assessment measured by 24 hour recall INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes