# Behavior Changes of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes During the National Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

## TL;DR

During the COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand, patients with type 2 diabetes reported changes in diet and physical activity, but medication adherence remained high.

## Contribution

This study provides new insights into behavioral changes among type 2 diabetes patients during a national lockdown, highlighting diet and activity shifts while confirming stable medication adherence.

## Key findings

- 38% of patients reported changes in dietary patterns during the lockdown.
- 25% of patients experienced self-reported weight gain.
- Medication adherence remained high, with 80% of patients reporting good compliance.

## Abstract

Background: We previously reported that the national lockdown led to worsening glucose control and increased systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the national lockdown on changes in diet and physical activity among these patients.

Methods: A questionnaire-based survey (N=100) was conducted to assess changes in dietary habits, physical activity, and medication adherence during the lockdown in a subset of patients from the Siriraj Diabetes Registry who attended a follow-up visit after the lockdown.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 60.3 ± 11.9 years, with 60% being female. Of 100 patients, changes in dietary patterns and physical activity were reported in 38 (38%) and 25 (25%) of patients, respectively. Self-reported weight gain occurred in 25 (25%) of participants. Medication adherence for anti-diabetic drugs, anti-hypertensive drugs, and lipid-lowering agents remained high, with 80 (80%) of patients reporting good compliance (defined as taking >80% of prescribed medications). No significant differences in medication adherence were observed during or after the lockdown compared to pre-lockdown levels.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 national lockdown in Thailand led to notable changes in dietary habits and physical activity among patients with T2D. However, medication adherence remained stable throughout the lockdown period.