Abstract

Background. The number of persons suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to rise worldwide and causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. Behaviour change and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits help to prevent or slow down the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the knowledge and practice of healthy lifestyles in many diabetic patients have been inadequate.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising worldwide. When diabetes is uncontrolled, it has dire consequences for health and well-being. However, the role of diet in the origin of diabetes complications is not understood well. This study identifies major dietary patterns among type 2 diabetes patients and its association with diabetes complications in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Materials and methods. This hospital base cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire amongst 80 previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (both genders, aged (18–50 and above years), patients receiving care in Buea Regional Hospital, CMA Muea, and Mount Mary. Baseline characteristics of participants were obtained and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding lifestyle modification were assessed.

Their dietary patterns were evaluated using a food Diary. Additional information regarding demographic and medical history variables was obtained with an interview-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results. Of the 80 participants, 48 (60%) were women, 36 (45%) majority of the respondents were 50 and above, (77.87%) had good knowledge. 55% of respondents don’t carry out exercise and (56.2%) have sedentary lifestyle. What is interesting is that the majority (97.7%) demonstrated bad practices in relation to dietary pattern modifications and (8.1%) show poor eating habit of eating once a day modifications, although over four-fifths (83.8%) of respondents considered cost associated with diabetes as the main factor that hinder adherence to recommended dietary modifications  and (78.8%) of respondents considered lack of sporting facilities and sport groups as the main factor that hinders adherence to recommended lifestyle modification

Conclusion: Type 2 Diabetes patients continue to eat unhealthy portions of food, at the wrong time, and smoking despite knowledge of the disadvantages of doing so. Our study shows that adherence to dietary modifications is quite difficult due to cost associated with diabetes and absence of healthcare workers to follow patients up. Therefore, there is a need for the adoption of family-centred diabetes care.

Underlying conditions, the absence of sports groups, and certain occupations limit patients’ ability to carry out exercise and have been identified as prohibiting early initiation of diabetes lifestyle management.