Six in 10 Portuguese (61%) changed their eating habits during the pandemic, which could increase the risk of diabetes, according to a World Diabetes Day survey among citizens of eight countries, including Portugal. Remember that diabetes and prediabetes affect more than 460 million people worldwide, and lifestyle changes can prevent or delay their development and complications.
Respondents reported that they ate more foods high in fat and sugar (14%) and did “much less” exercise (36%) during the pandemic, which is explained by spending more time at home (65%) and feeling more comfortable. more stress and anxiety (26%). Findings made at a time when the International Diabetes Federation is celebrating World Diabetes Day with its campaign to improve access to treatment for the disease and highlighting the need for more action to prevent and treat its complications.
A poll conducted by YouGov, which collected the opinions of citizens from Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal from September 10 to 23 this year, also showed that the main sources of information on ways to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes for the Portuguese were health professionals (87%), the Internet (40%) or books (30%).
The Portuguese know that a family history of diabetes is a risk factor for the disease (70%) and that obesity can cause diabetes (72%), as well as eating foods high in sugar (76%), but despite this, the vast majority ( 75%) don’t pay attention to ingredient lists when shopping for groceries.
The survey also confirms the impact of the pandemic on mental health: one in four (26%) Portuguese reported anxiety or feeling of stress.
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58% after lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, exercise, and weight loss. Research shows that for every pound of weight lost, the risk of developing diabetes in the future was reduced by an additional 16%.
