Dietary Habits, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in relation to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Republic of Congo

Background: Overweight and obesity are conditions related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). T2DM cases have increased in line with the overall increase in the incidence of overweight and obesity. Aim of the Study: To investigate the role of local nutrition in the onset and diffusion of T2DM in the Republic of Congo. Methods: Clinical and nutritional information have been recorded for 40 male Congolese subjects. In the non-diabetic group, a Diabetes risk score was submitted to assess the risk of developing T2DM within 10 years; the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) questionnaire was submitted to the T2DM diagnosed group. Results: results show a high level of daily calories intake, not justified by physical activity level. The role of nutrition in the treatment of T2DM is not recognized and the pathology remains not well known despite the data confirming its spread among the population. The analysis of clinical data shows a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypertension among those at risk of developing T2DM and those diagnosed with T2DM. Conclusion: The goal of this study aimed to implement future projects and strategies to induce local health care staff to focus more attention on changing food style and to increase nutritional re-education therapy in both diabetics and people at risk.