Eureka! Institutional Repository

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia and due to insufficient insulin secretion, insulin action or both. While for a long time it was considered as a secondary disease, in the 21st century, DM poses one of the major threats to human health. Although it is clear that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development and evolution of T2DM, the dramatic increase in DM cases in recent years seems to be mainly due to major changes in the lifestyle of modern society. Fortunately, lifestyle factors, including eating and exercise habits, are largely modifiable and are currently targeted as a means of preventing and treating the disease. Many studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet plays a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The similarity of some risk factors and some empirical evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet may also protect against diabetes. Through the analysis of results obtained from 100 questionnaires in an equal number of patients, important conclusions were drawn. It has been shown that patients with normal weight (BMI <25) tend to exercise more than overweight and obese patients and have better eating habits. At the same time, it was shown that all patients after the diagnosis of diabetes tried to change their eating habits for the better. The findings of research are presented in detail in the experimental part of this dissertation.