Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on the Health-Related Habits of People at High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Nutrients. 2023 Feb 7;15(4):841. doi: 10.3390/nu15040841.

Abstract

The general lockdown decreed in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the ALAS health promotion intervention aimed at the population at high risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes. We conducted a descriptive study in 2020 through a telephone survey and a comparison with baseline data to determine the impact of confinement on the lifestyles of the participants. We collected sociodemographic variables and conducted assessments before/after confinement on general health status and lifestyle (sleep, physical activity and diet). Additionally, weight, BMI and adherence to a Mediterranean diet were assessed. Descriptive statistical analyses, comparisons of pre-post confinement data and logistic regression were carried out. A total of 387 individuals responded. Among them, 31.8% reported a worse perception of health after confinement, and 63,1% reported no change. Regarding exercise, 61.1% reduced their weekly physical activity time. Regarding diet, 34,4% perceived worse quality, and 53.4% reported no change, despite the fact that 89.4% declared changes in their eating practices. Weight and BMI decreased by 3,1%, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved from baseline. Confinement had a negative impact on the general health, diet, sleep and physical activity of this population (at risk of diabetes); however, weight and BMI decreased, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet improved.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mediterranean diet; diabetes type 2; diet; eating habits; general lockdown; health promotion; lifestyle; obesity; physical activity; prediabetes.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Diet, Mediterranean*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Habits
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Pandemics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires