Endocrine Abstracts

Diabetes is mainly a consequence of the lifestyle of the current population, characterized by an increase in obesity, sedentarism and a highly caloric diet, added to which is an ageing population. Prevention and its treatment consist in following an adequate diet, practising physical exercise regularly and maintaining normal weight, factors which are achieved through the adoption of healthy lifestyles. However, weight loss remains a problematic issue among diabetics, mainly due to the fact that the diabetic individual neither understands nor incorporates the need for significant alterations in his lifestyle. The current COVID-19 pandemic has drawn, once again, our attention to the problem of obesity. This study depicts the analysis of residents in a neighbourhood in greater Porto, Portugal. The data collection derived from the answers of a questionnaire highlighted the existence of various factors that contribute to the development of obesity over a long period of time, being behavioural patterns one of the most impactful causes as they are related to our lifestyle. Repeated lockdowns were responsible for a decrease in the practice of physical activity and changes in the eating habits of the Portuguese population in general, resulting in an increase in the consumption of fizzy drinks, fried and fast food, processed meals, frequent intake of food and, consequently, weight gain. The present pandemic has also contributed to a rise in a sedentary behaviour exemplified by prolonged periods of time spent watching TV or on other technological gadgets (cell phone, laptop, etc.), attending online classes and working from home, aspects which increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Smoking, the lack of physical activity and a poor diet also add to the increase in weight and poor glycemic control. There are, however, lifestyle alteration programs which include a variety of procedures to overcome obstacles regarding weight loss. In fact, significant changes in lifestyle appear to be associated with a greater weight loss e better glycaemic control.