Evaluation of Physical Activity and Diet Among Type 2 Diabetics in Libreville

Abstract

Background: Physical activity and healthy diet can prevent or reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes, otherwise may reduce the disease complications among diabetics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical activity and diet of type 2 diabetics in Libreville. Methods: It was a case-control study conducted at the Endocrinology Department of the University Hospital Centre of Libreville and at the Biochemistry Laboratory of the University of Health Sciences. Patients (n=272) recruited were divided in type 2 diabetics (n=136) and controls (n=136). Physical activity was assessed using WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Diet was assessed using FAO Food Consumption and Diversity Scores (FCS and DDS). Results: Diabetics had higher overall physical activity than controls (19.1% <i>vs.</i> 10.3% respectively; p= 0.0033). Then, low activity was obtained in more than half of diabetics (80.8%). Acceptable dietary intake was more frequent in controls than in cases (78.7% vs. 51.4%, p= 0.0000). Similarly, poor dietary diversity was observed in 34.6% of diabetics versus 8.8% of controls (p= 0.0000). Several variables were associated with type 2 diabetes. These were age (p= 0.0000), TyG (p= 0.0000), triglyceridemia (p=0.0000), first and second-degree relative family history of diabetes (p=0.0030 and p=0.0020 respectively) and alcohol consumption (p= 0.0060). When stepwise linear regression was performed, dietary intake and dietary diversity scores were negatively associated with diabetes. Conclusion: This study revealed that diabetics in Libreville are intensely physically active, but that this activity needs to be reinforced and accompanied by greater dietary diversity.