Is a sedentary lifestyle a leading causal factor of obesity and distress in type 2 diabetes? A cross-sectional study in low-socioeconomic areas of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background Worldwide, the burden of diabetes with obesity as comorbidity has intensely increased. Even though sedentary behaviour is not favourable for a healthy lifestyle, some people still live a sedentary lifestyle. There is a dire need to report cases of sedentary behaviour in people with diabetes and obesity in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan. Objectives To assess the association of obesity and distress with sedentary behaviour among individuals with diabetes in slums and the associated factors. Methods This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 38 slums in Karachi, Pakistan, to determine the association of sedentary behaviour with poor glycaemic control and demographic factors. Data from August to September 2022 were analysed, and inferences were drawn. Results Among the studied population, out of 493 participants, 273 (55%) were female of age range 46-55 years 109 (22%) belonged to body mass index class-1 obesity 110 (22%), with hypertension 205 (42%), showed sedentary behaviour with low-socioeconomic settlements 299 (61%), and belong to Pathan ethnicity 153 (31%). More participants were married 337 (68%), had low-socioeconomic status 299 (61%) and had a positive family history of diabetes 242 (49%). Conclusions This study found that sedentary behaviour is significantly associated with the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with type 2 diabetes. It causes a long turn effect that can only result in uncontrolled and poor glycaemic control in diabetes and metabolic imbalance. The study can promote a physical-induced work setup and spread awareness among illiterate people for awareness of disease complications.