ABSTRACT

Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are important risk factor in Type 2 Diabetes

mellitus (T2DM). Exercise forms part of the diabetes management plan, and regular

exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk

factors, contribute to weight loss, and improve the overall well-being of patients with

T2DM. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status and physical activity

level of T2DM attending clinic at Federal Medical centre Umuahia, Abia state. A cross

sectional study was carried out among 82 (42 male and 40 female) patients, data was

collected by the means of structured questionnaire. The International Physical Activity

Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess the physical activity level of the patients while

anthropometry was measured using (WHO, 2010) guidelines. Socio-demographic data,

dietary habit and medical histories of the patients were assessed using a structured

questionnaire. The results showed that 7.1% of the patients were underweight, 26.2%

were overweight, 26.2% had obesity grade 1, 11.9% had obesity grade2 and 1 .0%5 had

obesity grade3 and 24.4% are normal. The result also showed that majority (69.5%) of

the patients were at risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also showed that 11.0% of

the patients consume pastries/snack on daily basis, only 1.2% take it once in two weeks.

The consumption of sofi/carbonated drink is predominant among those who take it once

in a week (23.2%). Only 4.8% of the patients had low physical activity level, 47.6% of

the patients had moderate and high physical activity level respectively. A greater number

of them did not show compliance to medical appointment. Majority (53.7%) of the

patients do not take counseling from the dietitian. There was no significant difference

between the nutritional status and physical activity level of the patients. Nutrition

education alongside with other interventions that will improve activity level should be

encouraged to improve the health of the persons living with diabetes as well as prevent

and/or slow down complications.