Assessment of eating habits and situation of people with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: mandatory isolation imposed changes in the lives and habits of people with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is important to know the current situation to design the nutritional intervention, generating useful information for the care team.
Objectives: to know the perception about food consumption and the nutritional medical situation of people with DM during isolation due to COVID19.
Materials and methods: observational study. A self-administered questionnaire was applied. Non-probabilistic sample. The variables were categorized and analyzed according to the specific objectives.
Results: 1,128 patients were surveyed. 42.3% had type 1 diabetes; 35.6% had more than 10 years with DM. 25.7% never attended a nutritionist due to their DM, 56% had an eating plan for a nutritionist. Regarding referral to the nutritionist for DM, 68.3% were referred and attended. During the pandemic, 66.7% of the participants did not attend the nutritional consultation. 67.3% of patients with type 1 apply the CH count. On the other hand, 39% perceived weight gain and a deficit in glycemic control, 20.6%. 82% reported consuming homemade meals, delivery 24%, fast foods 27%, alcohol 28%, soft drinks 20%, candy 19%, vegetables 74% and fruits 71%.
Regarding perceived problems, stress was 45.9% more frequent, sedentary lifestyle 42.7% and unhealthy meals 24.9%.
Conclusions: the results obtained could improve the treatment and monitoring strategies for our patients, it is necessary to improve referral, follow-up, work on the frequency of physical activity and the reasons for intake.