Behavior Changes of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes During the National Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that the national lockdown led to worsening glucose control and increased systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the national lockdown on changes in diet and physical activity among these patients.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey (N=100) was conducted to assess changes in dietary habits, physical activity, and medication adherence during the lockdown in a subset of patients from the Siriraj Diabetes Registry who attended a follow-up visit after the lockdown.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 60.3 ± 11.9 years, with 60% being female. Of 100 patients, changes in dietary patterns and physical activity were reported in 38 (38%) and 25 (25%) of patients, respectively. Self-reported weight gain occurred in 25 (25%) of participants. Medication adherence for anti-diabetic drugs, anti-hypertensive drugs, and lipid-lowering agents remained high, with 80 (80%) of patients reporting good compliance (defined as taking >80% of prescribed medications). No significant differences in medication adherence were observed during or after the lockdown compared to pre-lockdown levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 national lockdown in Thailand led to notable changes in dietary habits and physical activity among patients with T2D. However, medication adherence remained stable throughout the lockdown period.