Life satisfaction and other determinants of eating behaviours among women aged 40-65 years with type 2 diabetes from the Krakow population

INTRODUCTION: A rational dietary model is one of the key aspects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyse the frequency of consuming selected groups of food products among women aged 40-65 years with type 2 diabetes, depending on age, BMI, duration of disease, and level of life satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out among 276 women using the author’s specially designed questionnaire (metric data, duration of diabetes) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). We assessed BMI values on the basis of measurements of somatic indicators (body mass and height). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s r and Spearman’s R correlation coefficients via the SPSS programme (significance level of α = 0.05). RESULTS: Among the women with type 2 diabetes we observed nutritional deficiencies, in particular a low frequency of consuming the recommended product groups (vegetables, fruit, legume seeds, whole-grain cereals, dairy products with reduced fat content, and nuts). The scale of rational dietary choices among women increased along with age and perceived life satisfaction. As the time from diagnosis passed, this scale decreased. A decrease was also noted along with the increase in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of consuming some product groups shows a significant relationship with age, BMI, duration of disease, and the level of life satisfaction among women aged 40-65 years with type 2 diabetes.