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Impact of lockdown during COVID-19 on lifestyle changes and physical activity of diabetic patients in Karachi, Pakistan.

. Maqsood Ahmed Khan, Sara Shafique, Saira Shahnaz, Shazia Alam, Mehwish Murad Ali, Faiza Khan & Sana Ghayas


Abstract

Background:  In the pandemic of COVID-19, the lockdown was imposed in Karachi, Pakistan. Staying at home together with less physical activity could result in irregular diet management and a disturbed lifestyle in patients with type-II Diabetes Mellitus. We evaluated lifestyle changes, diet management, and physical activity in patients having Diabetes Mellitus Type-II in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: Patients with Type-II DM (n=150) were asked to complete a questionnaire containing 40 questions. These questions were divided broadly into diet, exercise, behavioral aspects, basic knowledge about telemedicine, and general questions. Data were entered on SPSS version 20 and analyzed their responses.

Result: Our data showed increased consumption of carbohydrates among 12% and increased frequency of snacks among 63.33% of respondents. Surprisingly, an increased intake of fruits and vegetables among 43.3% of patients was seen. Duration of activities was reported to be decreased by 43%. 25% of patients were observed to gain weight by 5-10%. Increased alcohol intake was noted by 45.3% and smoking was increased among 27.3% of patients. The study also observed that 86.66% of respondents agreed to be mentally unstable during the lockdown. Medicines were easily available to 94.7% of respondents. The evaluation of consultation showed that the majority of respondents 93.3% preferred the video consultation method.

Conclusion: Our results showed that during the COVID-19 lockdown period increase in carbohydrate consumption and processed foods, reduction in physical activity, increased alcohol intake and smoking and mental un-stability were noted. These are the factors that may enhance glycaemia. While few patients added more fruits and vegetables to their diet.

   Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus, COVID-19 Pandemic, Exercise, Diet, Carbohydrate

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