Abstract
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications including cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease threaten Korean Americans (KAs). High dietary sodium intake contributes to both conditions. The purpose of the study was to assess dietary sodium consumption and to examine the predictors of sodium intake among KA with T2DM. A total 232 KA who had uncontrolled diabetes participated in this study. The majority of the sample (69%) consumed more sodium than current national guidelines. A high level of energy intake was the strongest predictor for sodium intake with gender and marital status also related. Our findings identified predictive factors to excessive sodium intake and these data support the need for culturally-tailored education about appropriate dietary sodium and energy intake are needed for patients about T2DM.