Evaluation of the relationship of carbohydrate quality with sleep quality and depression in type 2 diabetes patients

Abstract

Background: diabetes mellitus is increasing globally. The macronutrient content of food consumed by diabetic patients plays a critical role in the course of the disease. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate quality on sleep quality and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes. Method: a total of 150 individuals with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. A demographic questionnaire, sleep quality scale (SQS) (where higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) were administered to participants. Additionally, a food frequency questionnaire consisting of 132 foods was used. To determine the Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) score, four components (fiber intake, whole grain ratio, glycemic index, and total carbohydrate ratio) were assessed on a scale of 1-5 points. The total CQI score was calculated, with Q5 representing the highest carbohydrate quality and Q1 the lowest. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 24 program. Results: the mean age of participants was 53.9 ± 16.38 years. The mean CQI score was 15.5 ± 2.57 in men and 13.2 ± 3.02 in women. Anxiety and depression levels were higher in women than in men. The highest SQS scores were observed in the Q1 group, indicating poorer sleep quality. Anxiety and depression scores were highest in the Q5 group and lowest in the Q1 group (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between CQI scores and sub-scores of depression, anxiety, and stress, while a negative correlation was observed with SQS scores. Conclusion: the study found that as carbohydrate quality was associated with worsened sleep quality, and higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression, although the relationship was weak. Further research on this topic is needed.