Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to determine how diet and lifestyle choices affect type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its consequences among adult Saudi Arabians living in Riyadh.
Methods:
This was an observational and descriptive cross sectional study conducted through an interview-based questionnaire among 250 type-2 diabetic patients aged 18 years and above. The study was conducted at King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh. The research questionnaire collected information about patient’s demographic data, signs, symptoms, and complications related to T2DM as well as evaluation of participants' diet, diabetic status, and lifestyle.
Results:
Most of the participants were males (68.4%). In terms of age distribution, the largest group consisted of individuals aged 35 to 64 years (49%) participants. Further, 46.5% patients reported being satisfied with overall health, in which 37.8% expressed a desire to be more active.
Conclusion:
The patients need more awareness about the outcomes of diabetes, importance of regular follow up for better standard health program, and adherence to both lifestyle and medications prescribed.

Key words: Diabetes, lifestyle, diet, complications, Saudi Arabia.