The relationship between dietary fiber intake, blood biochemical parameters, and healthy lifestyle behaviors in individuals with Type 2 diabetes

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fiber consumption and diabetes-related blood biochemical parameters and healthy lifestyle behaviors of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 166 individuals aged 18-65 years with type 2 diabetes who applied to Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Diabetes Outpatient Clinic. In the study, a questionnaire form was used to question the demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and blood biochemical parameters of the participants. In addition, 24-hour food consumption record and food consumption frequency were obtained from the individuals and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-2 was applied. Results: In the study, 53.6% of the participants were female, between the ages of 18-65 (Min: 27, Max: 65), with an average age of 54.50±8.19. In the study group, the average body weight and body mass index (BMI) of the women were found to be 78.82±14.54 and 30.19±5.32, respectively; and 84.64±16.44 and 28.54±4.68, respectively, for the men. According to the body mass index (BMI) classification of the group, 36.1% were overweight, 30.7% were degree 1 obese, and 13.9% were degree 2 obese. A positive correlation was found between the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-2 (HLBS-II) total score and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level and soluble, insoluble and total fiber consumption; Negative statistically significant relationships were found between waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels and soluble, insoluble and total fiber consumption (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be concluded that increased fiber consumption, particularly soluble fiber, in patients with type 2 diabetes plays an important role in improving metabolic parameters and managing type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that fiber consumption is a supportive factor in improving risk factors such as blood glucose control, lipid profile, and body composition, and that fiber consumption should be encouraged in the diets of individuals with diabetes.