Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a dietary modification intervention model applied by ward nurse on change of dietary behavior among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods A total of 80 participants were divided into intervention patients (n=40) and control subjects (n=40) by random number table.Except lecture-based diabetes educational which was applied for control subjects,a dietary modification intervention model was conducted in intervention patients for a period of two weeks.The intervention program consisted of evaluating an individual's stage of change after being provided dietary information regarding kind of food and portions,discussion with a role model,and keeping a food diary record.Body mass index (BMI),waist-hip ratio (WHR),fasting plasma glucose (FPG),postprandial 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG),glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) and score of healthy eating behavior were measured at initial and six months later.Results Compared with control group,BMI,WHR,FPG,2hPG,HbA1c in intervention group were significantly decreased,P ＜ 0.01 or 0.05.After six months intervention,FPG,2hPG and HbA1c in both groups were significantly decreased compared with baseline levels,P＜ 0.01.Compared with control group,the scores of healthy eating behavior in intervention group were significantly decreased,P＜ 0.05.After six months intervention,the scores of healthy eating behavior in both groups were significantly elevated,P ＜ 0.01,compared with baseline levels.Conclusions This study yielded evidence for the benefits of using the dietary modification intervention model as a framework in healthy eating behavior among patients with T2DM.