Body mass, behaviours and social/health situation in diabetes patients at the level of primary medical healthcare: a Polish national study

Abstract

Background: Multiple health and economic consequences related to obesity cause it to be regarded as a problem of socialsignificance; body mass control has become a crucial element in the process of diabetes treatment.

Aim: This paper shows factors differentiating body mass values in diabetes patients.

Methods: The research for this study was carried out among 1,986 patients with diabetes, originating from 61 randomlychosen units of the national primary health care system.

Results: Normal body mass was found only in 12.8% of patients. Normal body mass was found in patients characterised bya better (moderate) level of knowledge about the disease (p < 0.005) and with full knowledge of health indicators significantin diabetes treatment (p < 0.05). Patients with normal body mass function in families were characterised by a more completecapacity to care and support the patient in the home environment (p < 0.0001), a more favourable socio-living situation(p < 0.05), with less requirement for professional care (p < 0.0001). Persons with normal body mass more frequently showedblood pressure (p < 0.0001), triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.0001) and total cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.0001) closeto normal. Obesity was most frequently recognised in patients who declared no physical activity or excessive physical activity(regardless of the recommendation to dose physical effort and activity) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The obtained results show that the levels of health consciousness, healthy behaviours, and family and socio-livingsituations differentiate the body mass values defined by body mass index in diabetic patients.