Diabetes Type II Patient’s Lifestyle Related Behaviour during COVID 19 Pandemic lockdown period

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has taken our world by storm. Home confinement for extended periods inhibited people from going out, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle. Besides, boredom and stress during this period may trigger a tendency to overeat, especially comfort foods high in calories, less sleep and physical activity. All these lifestyle changes are modifiable risk factors for poor glycemic control and leads to poor management of diabetes. Thus, it is crucial for physicians to understand lifestyle-related behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in diabetic patients. Objectives: The study aims to develop a questionnaire to analyze diabetes patient's lifestyle-related behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 167 Diabetes patients enrolled in this survey. A questionnaire with 22 items were developed to analyze the lifestyle-related behavior of people with diabetes. Data collected from the survey in spreadsheet was analysed using SAS V9.4. Results: The responses were also grouped according to their HbA1c and blood sugar levels to understand. Almost equal distribution of males (56%) and females (44%), participated in the survey. We found that almost 75% of the participants reported a similar or a slight increase in intake of meals, snacks, fruits, vegetables, and a balanced diet. We also found that 36% of the participants gained weight and 30% of the participants increased their anxiety and stress levels. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire is valid and reliable to assess diabetes patient's lifestyle-related behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. No significant weight gain or diet-related changes seen in about 75% of the participants.