Vaida Batulevičienė, Sandra Gaidimauskaitė, Darius Batulevičius

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrinological disease that leads to cardiovascular disorders and functional disturbances of various organ systems. The important factors in the management of diabetes mellitus are the physical activity and the optimal nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate management of the type 2 diabetes mellitus in Lithuania. One hundred residents of Lithuania with type 2 diabetes mellitus were questioned. The physical activity, medication treatment and nutrition habits were evaluated. Only 10 individuals with diabetes mellitus displayed normal body mass index, while 44 individuals were overweight and 46 were obese. Seventy-three individuals exhibited low physical activity, while 23 moderate physical activity. Only 6 individuals exhibited high physical activity. Body mass index of the individuals with low physical activity was significantly higher compared to individuals with both moderate (P < 0.001) and high (P < 0.005) physical activity. Individuals with late diabetes diagnosis were treated with insulin at once. After 8 years of diabetes duration, all individuals were treated with insulin. In most cases, the individuals with diabetes mellitus preferred low glycemic index food. However, in some cases the individuals preferred medium and high glycemic index food. The results of our study demonstrate that management of the type 2 diabetes mellitus is insufficient among the residents of Lithuania. Additional education on the importance and benefit of both physical activity and proper nutrition is desirable for residents of Lithuania with diabetes mellitus.

doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2013.095

Keyword(s): Diabetes, Physical activity, Body mass index, Glycemic index
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2013.095
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