Sleep, diet and physical activity among adults living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Abstract Objective To document sleep/insomnia, fruit and vegetables (FV) consumption and physical activity (PA) according to diabetes presence and type and biological sex, as these three lifestyle habits may influence glycemic control and prevention of diabetes-related complications. Method Adults between 18-64 years of age were invited to complete validated Web-based self-reported questionnaires assessing sleep, insomnia, FV consumption and PA. Pregnant women and shift workers were excluded from the study. Results A total of 151 adults (80.1% women), of which 54 had diabetes (type 1 [T1D]: 30 and type 2 [T2D]: 24), completed the questionnaires. Sleep quality scores were significantly higher, indicating poorer sleep quality, according to diabetes presence (diabetes: 7.2±3.5 vs. no diabetes: 5.4±3.5, p=0.0024) and type (T1D: 6.1±2.9 vs. T2D: 8.7±3.8, p=0.0072). Sleep duration was significantly shorter among adults living with diabetes (diabetes: 7.0±1.7 hours/night vs. no diabetes: 7.8±1.3 hours/night, p=0.0019), regardless of type. More adults living with diabetes had moderate to severe clinical insomnia (diabetes: 25.9% vs. no diabetes: 10.4%, p=0.0129), especially those with T2D (T1D: 13.3% vs. T2D: 41.7%, p = 0.0182). FV consumption and PA did not significantly vary according to diabetes presence and type. Only PA differed by biological sex with lower PA among women. Discussion The results suggest that adults living with diabetes, especially those with T2D, are at higher risk for short and poor sleep quality, and clinical insomnia. Conclusions Adults living with diabetes, especially those with T2D, should have access to effective sleep interventions to prevent complications associated with elevated glucose levels.