Role of Lifestyle and Stress on Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Type 2-diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease in which insulin resistance and reduced insulin with increased hepatic glucose production lead to hyperglycemia. The condition cannot be cured; however, the incidence can be delayed and the progression can be halted. This study researches the association of 2 modifiable risk factors- lifestyle and stress with Diabetes Mellitus. The study aimed to assess the role of stress and other lifestyle factors on the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Studies on diabetes mellitus and its factors have not been done much in United Arab Emirates (UAE) so this research is aimed to determine the association between diabetes mellitus and, stress and lifestyle among residents of UAE. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. The participants were in the age group of 35 to 70 years. The duration of this study was six months. Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and without diabetes mellitus were chosen randomly, and data were collected using a questionnaire. After obtaining the questionnaire with the desired sample size, data analysis was carried out using SPSS-26. The Chi-square test was used to find an association between the categorical variables and a two-sided P-value < 0.05 was taken as significant. The sample size was calculated by taking the level of significance as 5% and the power of the study as 80%. As per the previous study, the stress in the general population reported was 30% and the crude OR for DM those who are stressed as 2.4. This basic information is used to calculate the minimum required sample size for this study. The case-control ratio is taken as 1:2. The total participants for this study was 195 (65 cases and 130 controls). The inclusion criteria were both male and female patients of all nationalities and the exclusion criteria were patients with other disease conditions such as CVD, cancer and pregnant women. Results: A total of 205 participants were included in the study (71 cases; 134 controls). The study results showed that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was not associated with marital status, type of job, total income, exercise, BMI (Body mass index), and the nature of work seen in Table 1 and Table 2. The age of the participants and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus showed a significance of P<0.001. The psychologic stress also showed a significant association (P<0.05). This study also showed a significant association between the educational qualification of the participant and Diabetes mellitus. This study showed an association between age and diabetes, as well as stress and diabetes. Conclusion: This study shows age and stress are significantly associated with diabetes. Age is a non-modifiable risk factor, while stress is a modifiable risk factor, so reducing stress levels can help reduce the risk and progression of diabetes mellitus.