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Background: Food security, psychosocial stress, and physical activity could influence glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study sought to assess the relationship between food security, psychosocial stress and glycemic status of individuals with T2DM attending the outpatient clinic at Kumasi South Government Hospital.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study involving 50 adults with T2DM, attending the outpatient clinic at Kumasi South Government Hospital. Data on food security, psychosocial stress, and physical activity (PA) were assessed using standard questionnaires. Dietary intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaire. Waist circumference (WC), BMI, and biochemical indices (fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and lipid profile) were measured.
Results: Overall, 48.0% were overweight and 14.0% obese (mean BMI = 26.7 kg/m²), while 64.0% had high WC (≥94 cm for males, ≥80 cm for females). Most of the participants (74%) had high FBG (>7.0 mmol/L, and nearly half (48.0%) had poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.0). Ten percent, 12% and all (100%) of the participants had elevated LDL, high total cholesterol, and normal HDL levels respectively. Majority (90.0%) of the participants reported food insecurity while 89.0% experienced moderate to high psychosocial stress. Most (60%) of the participants reported high PA status, with 40% reporting moderate PA. Three distinct dietary patterns were identified - a high meat & seafood intake pattern, high animal protein mixed pattern (animal protein, fruits, vegetables, and plant protein), and high starchy foods mixed pattern (starches, vegetable oils, and vegetables). The only significant correlation was observed between physical activity and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.389, p = 0.005).
Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of food insecurity, psychosocial stress and poor glycemic control among the participants. These findings underscore the need to integrate food security and psychosocial stress interventions into diabetes care in the study population.