Dietary and lifestyle habits of patients with type 2 diabetes in Subotica

Introduction: The activities of the health care service in the control of diabetes and the improvement of glucoregulation of patients are primarily focused on lifestyle modification. The goal of this study was to review the recommendations in the field of adequate nutrition and lifestyle and to assess the health behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes in Subotica. Methodology: The research was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional study in February 2017 at the Diabetes Counseling Center of the Health Center in Subotica, Serbia. The study included 114 patients with type 2 diabetes. The research instrument consisted of a customized survey questionnaire. Results: Only a third of the patients actually consumed at least five meals a day, that was suggested as part of the treatment. Three-quarters of patients always prepared their own meals, but 41% of them never read the declarations about the ingredients of the food they consumed. Twenty percent of patients did not know how to assemble a healthy plate and what low-carbohydrate foods were. Two-thirds of patients used dietary supplements. A relatively small number, one-quarter of patients, consumed alcoholic beverages and 22 patients were active smokers. More than half of the patients exercised lightly, although 68% of them were dissatisfied with their body weight. Conclusion: We identified some deficiencies in the health behavior and lifestyle of people with diabetes. There is a recommendation to repeat the information on proper nutrition and the importance of physical activity in achieving ideal health and optimal glucoregulation during the educational work with patients.