Background: Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) is increasing in Malaysia and it is poorly controlled in the majority of patients. Poorly controlled diabetes not only increases the risk of macro- and microvascular complications, but also increases mortality risk in T2D patients. Understanding the nutritional profile and behaviour of T2D patients is the first step towards successful control for better diabetes care. 

Aim: To describe the metabolic control, dietary intake and behaviour of individuals with T2D in Malaysia. 

Methods:  A total of 230 patients from a primary care clinic completed the socio-demographic, diet and exercise record and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL) questionnaire. An increase in the WEL scores indicated a higher self-efficacy to resist eating. Weight, glycaemic control and blood pressure were measured. 

Results: The T2D patients were obese with BMI of 29.4 ± 6.8 kg/m² and had poor glycaemic control of HbA1c 7.9 ± 1.3%. Patients’ blood pressure was stable 134 ± 79 mmHg due to medication intake. Patients’ average energy intake was 1680 ± 430 kcal/day with 54.2 ± 6.3% carbohydrate, 17.4 ± 2.8% protein and 28.7 ± 5.4% fat intake from total calories. However, 61.3% patients underreported their intake. Patients also engaged poorly in exercise with an average of 80 ± 162 min/week. Patients tend to have a higher self-efficacy to resist eating when experiencing negative emotions with highest scores of 30 ± 4 and had lower self-efficacy to resist eating when food was available with lowest availability scores of 19 ± 9.   

Discussion: In view of worsening metabolic control in T2D patients, healthcare professionals should target lifestyle and behavioural factors for better management of diabetes care.

Nutritional status and behaviour of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Malaysia