Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global public health problem. The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. The study aims to assess behavioral risk factors (dietary patterns and physical activity) and their association with T2DM among Saudi adults from Makkah.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. Data was obtained via online interviews with T2DM (cases) and without T2DM participants (controls) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Dietary habits were assessed by a Saudi FFQ. Habitual physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form.
Results: Out of 273 participants, n=94 (34.4%) were in the case group and 179 (65.6%) in the control group. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among cases (51.6%) compared to controls (29.4%).  The number of meals and consumption of cooked rice were positively associated with the prevalence of T2DM. The consumption frequency of the following foods was lower among T2DM patients: sausage, cold meats, salami, vegetable oil, restaurant consumption, cooked pasta, additive sugar, sweet biscuits, cakes, salty pies and potato chips. T2DM patients performed more low-intensity physical activity compared to controls.
Conclusion: Obesity, number of meals and high rice consumption were associated with T2DM. These factors may be used in preventive and treatment measures, indicating the importance of lifestyle behaviors in T2DM.

Keywords

Dietary habits, Physical activity, Dietary Intake, T2DM, Diabetes, Saudi Arabia 

How to Cite