Some Risk Factors for the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Men and Women of Belgrade Population

Abstract

Introduction In the last two decades there has been an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in both developed and in developing countries.

Objective To determine whether personal habits like smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption or physical inactivity are different between genders in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods The study was conducted in Belgrade, during the period 2007-2008, and included newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. We included 80 men and 99 women diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2, referred to the Primary Health Care Centre “Savski venac”. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, as well as data on healthy habits. The χ² test and two-tailed t-test were used for data analysis.

Results The men were significantly more engaged in industry and crafts, while the women worked significantly more frequently in administrative jobs. The men were married significantly more frequently than the women (p<0.05) and had a higher level of education (p<0.05). Regarding to the level of implementation of nutritional and physical activity, there were no significant differences between the genders (p>0.05). The women consumed coffee significantly more frequently than the men (p<0.05), but drank less alcohol (p<0.05). The men were former smokers significantly more frequently (p<0.05) than the women.

Conclusion These results indicate the role of certain personal habits in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: type 2 diabetes; gender; habits