ABSTRACT

 This study accessed the nutritional status and physical activity level of type II diabetic mellitus patients (T2DM) attending Federal Medical Centre Owerri Imo state. Random sampling method was employed in the selection of the sample from population, using inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for the study were patients already diagnosed as type II diabetic, patients from 18 and above years of age and patients attending federal medical center Owerri Imo state. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habit, anthropometric status, physical activity, medical history and food frequency were obtained using questionnaire. The result showed that subjects were male 46.0% and females 54.0% within the range of 20-50 years. Fifty six percent resided in urban while 44.0% resided in rural areas, 85.0% were Christians, 57.0% were married, 36.0% had tertiary education while 35.0% of the respondents had income range of <5 years and 61.0% has been seeing the doctor since the last 5 years. Based on the nutritional status ofthe respondent 67.0% were normal using body mass index and 49.0% were classified as those with high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Sixty four percent have a moderate level of physical activity and there was no significant correlation (p>0.05) between physical activity and nutritional status of the respondents. Many studies have reported increasing prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) globally. The findings from the study shows that majority (67.0%) of the respondents had normal Body Mass Index and 24.0% of them are overweight while (49.0%) of the respondents have high risk of developing cardiovascular disease using their waist-hipratio. The findings also shows that 13.0% ofthe respondents have a low physical activity level and there is no significant relationship between physical activity and nutritional status of the respondents. Based on the findings it is recommended that Nutritionist should bring nutrition education to the grass root for diabetic patients. Patients with diabetes should be supported, empowered and encouraged by placing them on a health insurance scheme in other to enable them to develop self-sufficiency. The diabetic patients and family members of diabetic patients should be counseled on the benefits of physical activities and adapting a healthy lifestyle and its effect on glucose control and on the inevitable reduction of diabetes related complications.