Attitude of Type II Diabetics Towards Diet and Exercise

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the current perceptions of patients with type II diabetes regarding the impact of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), in particular, their relative impact on their disease state as it compares to that of their medication. METHODS: This was a descriptive study using a survey questionnaire. The primary dependent variable were the rating of the importance of diet and exercise, and a descriptive variables include medication use, amount of exercise, importance of medications, beliefs related to lifestyle and demographic variables. Questionnaires were passed out to eligible participant at the Walmart Pharmacy located on 7150 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson Arizona. RESULTS: 56 survey questionnaires were completed. 18 men (mean age = 55.6) and 31 women (mean age = 43.8). Seven of the survey questionnaire did not indicate sex. Overall, lifestyle modification was rated favorably by all participants. On a scale of 1 through 5 (1 being least important, 5 being most important), the mean ratings were 3.5 and 3.6 for diet and exercise respectively. Confidence in medication use was rated a mean of 2.15. Attitude of study population with regards to obesity and diabetes was highly skewed toward obesity contributing diabetes (mean = 4.5). Finally, only 26.7% of participant get more than three hours a week of regular exercise. CONCLUSION: Based on the result from this study, patients with type II diabetes have a stronger inclination towards a belief in lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) to improve their disease state than medication alone.