Effect of Physical Activity and Dietary Changes on Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Case-Control Study in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health issue in Bangladesh, projected to affect 13.7 million individuals by 2045. Physical inactivity and poor dietary habits increase the risk of complications. This study examined the effects of physical activity and lifestyle modifications on T2DM management.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted at Manikganj District Diabetic Hospital with 334 T2DM patients (aged 45-60 years). The case group (n = 167) followed structured physical activity and dietary modifications, while the control group (n = 167) did not. Data on socio-demographics, lifestyle and glycaemic markers-fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) and HbA1c-were collected at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression models assessed associations between lifestyle factors and glycaemic outcomes.

RESULTS

The control group had significantly higher plasma glucose levels, associated with gender (p < 0.001), treatment type (p = 0.004), medical adherence (p = 0.009), food habits (p = 0.007) and BMI (p = 0.005). The case group showed a significant FPG reduction from 10.035 mmol/L to 6.261 mmol/L (p < 0.001), with similar trends for PPG and HbA1c. Males had 1.8 times higher odds of elevated FPG, while poor adherence increased this risk 2.5-fold.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle modifications significantly improve glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Strengthening adherence to medical advice and integrating structured interventions into routine care could enhance diabetes management in Bangladesh.