Identification of risk factors in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in healthcare professionals

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases. In Serbia 13.2% of the population has diabetes mellitus, and 95% of that number has type 2 diabetes. Previous research on risk factors for type 2 diabetes indicates the possibility of preventing this disease by correcting lifestyle. Objective: To identify risk factors for type 2 diabetes that are present in healthcare professionals. Methodology: Two questionnaires were used in the research. The questionnaire for health workers was specially designed for research purposes and the Questionnaire for risk assessment for type 2 diabetes. The sample consisted of 48 health workers: 30 nurses and 18 doctors employed at the Veliko Gradiste Health Center. Results: The analysis of the answers to the questions from the Questionnaire for risk assessment for type 2 diabetes revealed the presence of the following risk factors: 62.5% of respondents are older than 45 years; 58.4% of respondents have elevated BMI values, of which 16.7% are obese; 66.6% have higher waist circumference values than recommended; 27.1% of respondents are insufficiently physically active; 14.6% do not eat fruit every day; 35.4% used antihypertensive drugs; 10.4% of respondents confirmed that they had elevated blood sugar levels and 47.9% had a positive family history. Conclusion: Based on the results that almost 2/3 of respondents are over 45 years old and that almost every second respondent has a positive family history, it is clear that there is a need to focus on the highest percentage of preventable risk factors for type 2 diabetes such as overweight, abdominal obesity and physical inactivity.