Survey on Body Mass Index, Physical Activity Pattern and Dietary Pattern of the Selected Type 2 Diabetics in Chennai City

Abstract

Globally, diabetes is among the top 10 causes of death. To investigate about the Body Mass Index, physical activity pattern and dietary pattern often leads to life threatening complications. An Ex post facto, survey was carried out among 500 type 2 diabetes using a pre-tested questionnaire from five diabetes specialty clinics. About 67% of the subjects were of normal weight. Physical activity was calculated based on the formula given by Sharkey and Gaskill and the scores of the all the subjects were below 20 indicating the sedentary activity pattern and very poor fitness. When the calorie intake of the subjects with diabetes was compared with the recommended dietary allowance, it was found that 68% of the subjects were ingesting excess calories, while 32% were consuming less than the recommended calories. The quality of diet of none of the subjects was adequate in calories. Results suggest that type 2 diabetes should be given intensive diet counseling to know about the importance of diet and physical activity in managing their blood sugar levels.