Abstract
Objective: To assess different factors affecting adherence to medical nutrition therapy and physical activity among people with type 2 diabetes.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Karachi, Pakistan from November 2018 till March 2019. Patients with type 2 diabetes who got physical activity and dietary advice previously at least once were included. Data were collected by a dietitian on one-to-one basis by a self-structured questionnaire.
Results: Out of 385 patients, 192 were males and 193 females. Among them, 60% were compliant to dietary advice whereas only 44.2% were compliant to physical activity. Common reasons related to non-compliance with diet were lack of self-care in 35.7%, don’t like recommended food in 34.4%, don’t remember the recommended diet in 31.2% and difficult to get healthy food in 25.3%. The most common reasons for non-compliance with exercise were don’t remember to do physical activity in 83.7% followed by lack of will power/motivation in 71.5%, pain in legs in 60% and family responsibilities in 23.8%. Last counselling within preceding 2years, <5 years duration of diabetes were associated statistically significant with dietary compliance. Patients who were compliant to diet were also doing physical activity (p=0.000).
Conclusion: It is necessary to address the specific and individual reasons for noncompliance of diet and exercise and provide appropriate solutions to achieve good glycemic control.

Key words: Compliance, medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, type 2 diabetes.