STATISTICAL RESEARCH ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BMI AND GLYCOSYRED HEMOGLOBIN IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Abstract

Diabetes is a significant global challenge to the health and well-being of people, families and countries. The main objectives of this research are: to statistically determine the correlation between BMI and the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and to analyze the eating habits and lifestyle of the 109 subjects who were included in this study. The research was conducted in the period from 01.06.2023-30.06.2023. by the Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition at the University of Tetovo and VT Diet Club - Bitola. The data from the 109 respondents (35 men and 74 women) aged from 5 to 81 years. were collected by an online questionnaire. Information about minors was obtained from their parents - guardians. The following statistical methods were used: Pearson's correlation coefficient and relative numbers. 68% of the respondents suffer from diabetes type 2, and 32% of the respondents suffer from diabetes type 1. Most of the patients with diabetes (29.4%) are aged 45-54 years. The value of the correlation coefficient r = 0.04 indicates that there is a very weak correlation between BMI and the value of glycated hemoglobin. This means that the value of glycated hemoglobin is influenced by other factors such as: diet, physical activity, use of therapy with oral antidiabetics and/or insulin, etc. 41.3% of respondents are overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), and the same percentage of respondents are obese (BMI = 30 and more kg/m2). Crucial negative food habits practiced by the respondents are: 69% of the respondents indicated that they have 3-4 meals a day (diabetics should have 3 main meals and 2 snacks) and the same % of respondents indicated that they consume food with a high glycemic index. From this study, it can be concluded that a healthy and balanced diet and physical activity are crucial for leveling glycemia in diabetics, as well as for the prevention of complications caused by diabetes.